Recent stories have highlighted a disturbing trend seen across the nation cropping up right here in Butler County.

Criminal cases against those assaulting health care workers are becoming more and more common.

Five years after health care workers were celebrated for their service and dedication to their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are now dodging the fists and feet of visitors to their hospitals.

The American Hospital Association claims violence in hospitals has increased over the past decade, including rates of assault, homicide, suicide and gun violence. It has become a major public health problem.

The association blames workplace violence for hospital staff turnover, absenteeism, loss of productivity, higher insurance and workers’ compensation costs and an increased risk of worker depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the rate of serious workplace violence was more than four times greater in the health care field than in private industry on average.

Last March, nurses at Butler Memorial Hospital conducted informational picketing calling for the hospital’s owner, Independence Health System, to increase safety measures, including having metal detectors installed at all hospital entrances.

At the time, a union spokesperson said there had been an increase of violent incidents inside the hospital, including a nursing assistant who had her teeth knocked out while on the job.

Picketing nurses reported being punched, cut and even headbutted while on the job.

It’s hard enough being a health care professional. It’s even harder when they have to face the possibility of being injured by the very people they are trying to help.

The nurses’ union, Independence Health System and even local law enforcement agencies should work together to find ways to reduce violence in our hospital.

As it stands now, it’s not healthy for everyone involved.

— EF