Keeping Our Workplace Safe

As healthcare workers, we often see people at their most vulnerable and stressed, which can lead to high-intensity interactions and sometimes even violence. In fact, compared to industries nationwide, healthcare workers are five times more likely to face workplace violence.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors is our top priority. To maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, we have been working on this issue for some time. Now, we are piloting new programs to enhance everyone’s safety.

Metal-detecting wanding has been in place in the Emergency Department at CRMH for a couple months. Most recently, a weapons detection unit was also added. Anyone entering the Emergency Department will go through this unit to help keep our facilities weapons-free.

While we’re constantly evaluating safety measures for all facilities, we began piloting a weapons detection unit in the Emergency Department at CRMH because of its high volume and we care for victims of violent incidents there, which raises the potential risk of violence for our staff, visitors and patients.

Soon, you will see more weapons detection units piloted at CRMH, as well as a visitor management system, where all visitors over 18 will be screened and given a badge. You can expect to see both of these pilot safety measures at these CRMH locations later this spring:

• West and South lobby entrances
• Emergency Department Tower
• 4 North (Outpatient surgery)

While pilots are taking place at CRMH given the volume of patients, we hope to apply lessons learned at other facilities in the footprint in the future. As we pilot more safety programs, we’ll provide updates on the latest you, our patients and visitors need to know.

In the meantime, Carilion Police and Security are always here to support our teams:

• CMC 540-981-7911 or 77911 
• CFMH 540-420-5729
• CGCH 540-922-4130
• CNRV 540-731-2911
• CRBH 540-460-7962
• CTCH 276-988-8710

We’re All in This Together

As healthcare workers, our natural tendency is to help others. It's our calling and why we entered this field, but caring for ourselves and supporting those we work closely beside is a critical part of being able to care for our patients and help maintain a safe workplace.

Safety is a shared responsibility for us all, so it’s important to keep top of mind the available programs and processes that can fuel your well-being and be a resource in a time of need. Don’t forget to tap into these resources:

• SafeWatch
  SafeWatch is vital for patient safety. Reporting all incidents of workplace violence, including verbal and emotional, through SafeWatch helps us identify potential risks, engage relevant parties, document accurately and implement changes to prevent harm to our patients. 
  
  For example, SafeWatch reports led to staff training on 5 West using a patient assessment tool that significantly reduced the number of calls to the Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT).
  
  It is crucial not to overlook verbal and emotional violence, even if it is attributed to a patient's medical condition. Reporting all violent incidents—not just those resulting in physical harm—is essential, as verbal violence can signal potential physical violence.
  
  To report a SafeWatch event, use the SafeWatch logo to access the portal, then submit the event, near miss, or unsafe condition. You also may call 540-981-7233 (7-SAFE).
   
• Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT)
  BERT is a select and trained team that responds to patients presenting staff with a behavioral safety issue. The team arrives on the scene to de-escalate and intervene with patients who become actively disrupt or violent.
   
• TRUST Team
  The TRUST Team provides compassionate, coordinated support for health care team members experiencing the second victim phenomenon related to an adverse patient event or security event. Every health care worker can experience the second victim phenomenon.
   
• Chaplaincy Services
  Our team of chaplains are available for patient care as well as for spiritual guidance and support for all employees.
   
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  Carilion covers 100 percent of the cost for up to five sessions per year, per issue, with a licensed mental health professional. EAP is a voluntary, confidential service providing professional counseling and referral services designed to help you with your personal or job-related challenges. 

Watch for more information about our evolving safety measures and available resources on Inside Carilion and from your leaders.