Lifespan announces new campaign to advocate for safety of healthcare workers after nurse assaulted

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Lifespan and Rhode Island Hospital leadership called for community support in stopping violence against healthcare professionals in the workplace on Thursday at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

“That is why we are here today, with representatives from across the state, to join Lifespan and further this effort to raise awareness and end violence against healthcare workers,” said Lisa Tomasso, Senior Vice President of Hospital Association of Rhode Island.

Lifespan held a meeting to announce a campaign called #ScottStrong, named in honor of a nurse who was recently attacked at work, to advocate for the safety and protection of all healthcare workers.

“This morning, I got up, I got dressed, came to work. I would say that most days healthcare worker violence is not the first thing on top of my head,” said Dean Roye, MD.

Healthcare workers play a vital role in providing care and support to patients; however, they are increasingly subject to threats, abuse, and violent behavior on the job.

“Sadly this could have been any healthcare worker in any hospital,” said Tomasso.

According to a 2023 National Healthcare survey by Premier, 40% of healthcare workers have experienced at least one incident of workplace violence within the past two years.

“Nobody should have to be worried about being injured when they come to work,” said Roye.

Back on Sept. 8, a Rhode Island Hospital nurse was attacked by a patient.

That patient, 38-year-old George Bower, was charged with felony assault on a healthcare worker.

Following the assault, the campaign #ScottStrong is helping to keep healthcare workers safe and advocating for their safety while on the job.

Rhode Island Hospital is calling on the public and everyone who enters their facilities to take the pledge to keep healthcare workers safe and support #ScottStrong.