Genesis reports spikes in violence, threats against hospital staff

MOLINE, Ill. — A Genesis Health System spokesperson says that the hospital group has seen an increase of aggressive and violent behavior from patients towards workers in recent years 

Craig Cooper from Genesis health responded to a question asking if Genesis had experienced the increases in assaults, threats, and other bad behaviorsgoo, saying that it indeed had. 

"The short answer is yes, Genesis has experienced an increase of threats and acting out by hospital patients and visitors in recent years. Across the country, hospitals are having the same experience," Cooper said. "There appears to be an increasing disrespect for others, including health care professionals. Other industries like retail, food and beverage and government have also experienced an increase of incidents."

The question came after the recent release of article from ABC News that shone a light on recent spikes in assaults against hospital workers, focusing on a Missouri hospital that gave its employees panic buttons to quickly alert security to their location if they are in distress.

The nationwide trend also applies to other service professions like retail, food, and government.

Cooper posits that there are many contributing factors to this behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse, pandemic stress, and lowered funding for behavioral health care.

Cooper notes in particular the latter, as he says that the highest number of violent incidents in recent years originate in emergency rooms and the behavioral health unit, where patients who are impaired or suffer from behavioral health issues are most likely to seek care.

"Behavioral health units are just one example. As funding is reduced for behavioral health care, individuals with behavioral health issues may not be receiving the help they need to control their condition. They have become more likely to act out physically and verbally," Cooper said.

He also detailed a list of policies Genesis will be activating in response to the increased threat;

• Activation of Code A (Code Assault) to address and report ongoing acts or threats of violence from individuals Genesis provides care for
• A Workplace Violence Task Force to explore additional options to deal with the issue

• Staff receiving "panic buttons" as part of their uniform in the hospitals, while others have access to "panic buttons'' in their departments

• Run, Hide, Fight training for all employees

• Additional surveillance cameras and security measures

• Increased investment in security

Genesis says that it will continue to be vigilant in preventing acts of violence against its staff, patients, and visitors.

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