The Peru Gazette

Education and awareness can support a safer environment and a positive patient experience 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (01/09/2025) – While the incidence of workplace violence in health care remains a serious concern for healthcare professionals across the country, the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) is taking steps to ensure patients continue to receive the compassionate, high-quality care they need in an environment that is safe for them and those providing that care. 

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), healthcare workers suffer more workplace violence and injury than any other profession. The AHA reports that almost 45% of all nurses report an increase in physical violence, and nearly 70% report an increase in verbal abuse. 

CVPH Emergency Department Manager Michael Wells said education and awareness can be important in supporting a positive patient experience while fostering a safer environment for them and the healthcare professionals committed to delivering their care. 

“In the Emergency Department, our goal is to be sure our patients get the care they need and that they also have a good experience with us while keeping everyone in our department safe,” Wells explained. “Knowing what to bring to the ED and what patients and visitors should leave at home can enhance patient comfort and reduce the risk of everyday items like pocketknives or nail scissors being used as weapons.” 

CVPH ED Director of Quality and Safety Gail Bjelko added, “We are asking patients and visitors to leave items like pocketknives, their Leatherman, scissors, protectant sprays or syringes – anything that could be used as a weapon – at home or in their vehicle when they come to the ED.” 

Bjelko suggested creating an “ED Go Bag” that could include a current list of medications, identification and insurance cards, a debit card or small amount of cash, a phone charger, and a sweater. “Having these items readily accessible should you need to come to our ED—as a patient or a visitor—can be helpful,” she said. 

CVPH continues its multifaceted approach to enhancing workplace safety, which includes recruitment of additional security staff, installation of state-of-the-art badge access for entryways, education, training, and partnerships with local law enforcement. 

“We’re now reaching out to those we serve and asking for their assistance in embracing this new safety mindset and creating a safer environment for our team and the hundreds of community members who turn to us for care each day,” Wells said. 

While there is no single solution to healthcare violence, the University of Vermont Health Network has called out healthcare violence to give visibility and voice to frontline staff members who have endured acts of physical and verbal violence and to inspire new conversations that could lead to meaningful action.