Rep. Somani Statement in Support of Stronger Workplace Violence Protections in Hospitals Following Incident at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
COLUMBUS — State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) today released a statement on the recent assault of a nurse at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center:
“In early November, a nurse at OSU was the victim of an assault while working on the postpartum unit of the Wexner Medical Center. Experiencing workplace violence is unfortunately far too common for our healthcare providers. In fact, healthcare providers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than those in other occupations. As an OB/GYN, I am especially concerned that this incident occurred on a postpartum floor. Mothers and babies are at their most vulnerable in the hours after birth, and ensuring the safety of both hospital staff and patients is absolutely non-negotiable on these units.
Attacks like these are preventable. Healthcare workers provide essential and lifesaving care every day. Our jobs are stressful enough without also having to worry about being assaulted. I encourage the OSU Wexner Medical Center leadership to listen to the requests of their workers and implement stronger safety protocols, especially on high-risk units. This includes placing permanent security staff in certain units. There should be protocols in place to protect patients and staff during violent incidents. For this specific incident, I also encourage OSU to preserve all relevant footage and incident reports, conduct a review of security protocols, establish enhanced security presence on affected units, restrict the individual's access to OSU facilities, and work with nursing staff and their union on workplace violence prevention measures.
Healthcare providers deserve safety and respect at work. Effective workplace violence policies not only protect hospital staff, but they are also integral to ensuring patient safety. As both a physician and a legislator, I am committed to supporting policies that ensure hospitals will take workplace violence prevention seriously.”
According to reports, OSU staff had asked the individual who committed the assault to leave the postpartum unit one day prior due to concerning behavior. They were allowed back onto the floor the next day. The individual began behaving in an erratic manner, and a nurse attempted to intervene in order to protect both a female patient and a newborn. The nurse reported being strangled and dragged down a hallway during the incident.
The nurse filed a report with the police following the assault. Hospital staff at OSU are now requesting that the institution review and strengthen their workplace violence prevention policies.