Events Focused on Stopping Violence Against Health Care Workers

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – One in four nurses is physically assaulted on the job, according to a 2019 survey by the American Nurses Association. Hostile work conditions in medical facilities were on the rise before the pandemic and since then things have only gotten worse. To support its clinical staff and bring awareness for the need to help stop the violence, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare has planned an educational fair and community walk on Tuesday, May 10.

The organization is coming together for a ceremony and educational fair inside Chesapeake Regional Medical Center’s main lobby beginning at noon. 

During the ceremony at noon, Reese Jackson, president & CEO, and Amber Egyud, DNP, RN, NE-BC, chief operating & nursing officer, will give opening remarks. A victim of health care violence will tell their story and the Commonwealth's Attorney, Matthew R. Hamel will speak about victim rights. 

An educational fair for employees will immediately follow the ceremony. Representatives from the Behavioral Health, Human Resources, Pastoral Care and Risk Management departments will provide support regarding room safety, de-escalation techniques, and victim support.  

At 7:30 p.m., a community walk will be held. Walkers will travel around the block surrounding the hospital’s Chesapeake campus to help bring awareness for the need to stop assaults on health care workers. Families and pets are welcome. The event is free and open to the public.

“We hope today will bring attention to this growing trend,” said Reese Jackson. “Our hospital is not alone. Assaults on health care workers, especially for those on the frontline, are happening throughout the region and around the country. We need to support these care givers and create an environment where healing can happen.”

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About Chesapeake Regional Healthcare
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is a health system laser focused on innovation, known for making medical history in the region and providing patients with truly personal care. It’s hospital, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, is the only independent, community-based hospital in Hampton Roads. With a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the best heart attack survival rates of the major systems in the region, and a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center, Chesapeake Regional’s cardiac program is expanding. The system has a state-of-the-art neurointerventional suite, comprehensive cancer care, the most preferred Labor & Delivery program in the area, nearly 40 practice locations and approximately 600 physicians on staff. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare’s technologically advanced health care saves lives every day. Learn more at ChesapeakeRegional.com.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 75 percent of nearly 25,000 workplace assaults are reported annually in health care and social service settings.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that as many as 38% of those in our field suffer physical violence at some point in their careers, and many more are threatened with verbal aggression.

A global study from 2020 found health professionals were roughly 50% more likely than other community members to have been harassed, bullied or hurt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.