Union: Lack of security to blame for worrisome rise in assaults on Queen’s nurses

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii Nurses Association says workers at the Queen’s Medical Center are being assaulted by patients ― and that the lack of security at the hospital is to blame.

In a complaint sent out Monday, the union said the hospital is not taking employee concerns seriously.

And Hawaii Nurses Association members say the attacks have gotten worse over the past year. The union’s president says some workers have been punched in the face, even knocked out cold.

“We’re demanding Queen’s implement a zero-tolerance policy for violence and threats of violence to put an end to this dangerous work environment and immediately discharge patients who threaten or inflict violence on nurses,” said HNA President Daniel Ross.

Queen’s said in a statement that the safety of its patients and staff is its highest priority.

“Workplace violence is a troubling issue, nationally and locally, and we take all reports of violence against our patients and staff seriously,” said a spokesperson, in a statement.

“We have convened a Workplace Violence Prevention Committee which is committed to implementing best practices addressing workplace violence, and we look forward to continuing to work with our nurses, our employees, and our unions to keep staff safe when caring for our patients.”

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