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A Message from the Western PA Regional Chief Medical Officers (CMO) Consortium: Violence in Health Care – A Call for Support

A Message from the Western PA Regional Chief Medical Officers (CMO) Consortium: Violence in Health Care – A Call for Support

Friday, April 1, 2022... A basic tenet of optimal health care is an open, safe, and mutually respectful interaction. Those seeking care and any members of health care teams delivering care want and deserve the assurance that no harm will be intentionally inflicted, that verbal exchanges will be clear and without threat, and that together the best plans and actions can be made to achieve the needs. Unfortunately, violence in the health care setting is growing – including verbal assaults, physical interactions, and harm. These are reported more often now by many on the health care team, no matter what role they serve. The result degrades the environment needed to deliver care safely.

We ask you to support both those coming for care and those trying to deliver care. That support means never choosing, using, or condoning extreme language, threats, uninvited bodily contact, weapons in any form, or other forms of intimidation or coercion when in a health care setting. We know frustrations can exist when not feeling well or when in need, but frustration can never justify violence in any of the forms noted.

As health care leaders, we and our teams want to serve you; please join us and stand up for ensuring the kind of safe environment we all benefit from each day.

The Western PA Regional CMO Consortium