What’s a Catholic hospital without a crucifix? Apparently, a safer one.
An HSHS St. John’s Hospital memo (pictured) obtained by WTAX News does not go into much detail other than to say that in the emergency department and in all patient rooms, crosses and crucifixes have been removed, pending the arrival of “safer replacements.” The memo does not specify what those will be, or what prompted the decision, but says more information, including a timeline, will be disseminated to staff in huddles.
The memo is from the hospital’s president and CEO, manager of mission integration and spiritual care, and director of facilities.
An HSHS spokeswoman Monday afternoon sent the following statement, adding there will be no further comment now:
At HSHS, patient and colleague safety is our top priority. In response to the changing healthcare landscape and the general increase in healthcare workers experiencing workplace violence, we have made the decision to temporarily remove wooden and metal crucifixes from patient rooms and the emergency department. Safer replacement options will be installed, in keeping with our Franciscan-centered delivery of care.
Our colleagues are given additional tools, education and resources needed to deescalate violence before it occurs to manage aggressive behavior. We have a robust and advanced security department that works closely with local law enforcement. All colleagues take Management of Aggressive Behaviors training, and direct care colleagues go through additional intensive training. We have active shooter trainings, silent alarms, 24/7 surveillance, emergency phones, strategic security and law enforcement presence, and many other advanced tools and practices in place to protect our colleagues.
St. John’s Hospital strives to be a safe, healing environment for patients and colleagues, and aggression is not tolerated. HSHS thanks the community for its ongoing support of their local health care workers.