Valley Health Observes National Hospitals Against Violence Day

On June 7, 2024, Valley Health marked National Hospitals Against Violence Day by reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all caregivers, patients, and visitors. Recognizing that violence in healthcare settings poses a critical issue affecting both the well-being of healthcare workers and the quality of patient care, Valley Health took the opportunity to address the reality of hospital violence in the United States and outline the proactive steps being taken to ensure safety.

Statistics Highlighting the Issue:

• According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), healthcare workers experience more workplace violence and injury than those in any other environment.
• Since the pandemic, incidents of violence against healthcare workers have surged, with 44% of nurses reporting an increase in physical violence and 68% noting a rise in verbal abuse.
• Emergency departments are particularly affected, with approximately 80% of physicians acknowledging that violence has negatively impacted patient care and safety.

Valley Health’s Safety Initiatives:

To combat these troubling trends, Valley Health has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing security and ensuring a safer work environment for healthcare providers:

• Risk Assessment: Regular identification of security risks and implementing measures to mitigate them are key components of Valley Health’s safety protocol.
• Training Programs: All employees are offered Crisis de-escalation training to equip them with the skills necessary to handle potentially violent situations.
• Safety & Health Management Systems: Comprehensive safety and health management systems have been adopted to build a safety culture and reduce hospital injuries.
• Physical Security Measures: The hospital has increased its on-site security personnel, enhanced surveillance, and developed emergency plans to respond swiftly to incidents. Clear expectations for patient and family behavior have been communicated, with a zero-tolerance policy for those who do not adhere to these guidelines.
• Care for the Caregiver Program: A significant portion of this program is dedicated to supporting team members who have been victims of violence, threats, or intimidation. Currently, one-third of the support provided through this initiative is directed toward employees affected by such incidents.

As part of the observance of Hospitals Against Violence Day, Valley Health emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility. The hospital encourages its staff to participate in training sessions to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a safe workplace.

Valley Health appreciated its caregivers, recognizing their dedication to providing compassionate care while upholding the highest safety standards. The hospital remains committed to working with the community to ensure that Valley Health remains a place of hope and healing.

About Valley Health

Valley Health is a not-for-profit health system serving over 500,000 residents in the Northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands of West Virginia, and western Maryland. Valley Health is dedicated to improving regional health as a healthcare provider, employer, and community partner. The system includes six hospitals, more than 70 medical practices and urgent care centers, outpatient rehabilitation, medical transport, long-term care, home health services, and charitable foundations. For more information, visit www.valleyhealthlink.com.