Hospital Leaders Warn of Rising Violence Against Healthcare Workers

Incidents of assault, threats, and other violence against medical staff have spiked, leading to safety concerns and calls for reform.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:49am

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Hospital leaders in Syracuse, New York are sounding the alarm about a growing crisis of violence against healthcare workers. Dr. Sharon Ekure, a psychiatrist at St. Joseph's Health Hospital, was recently assaulted by a patient, suffering a concussion and severe bruising. The hospital has reported over 165 incidents of violence against staff in the past year, including kicking, punching, threats, and biting. Administrators cite bail reform as a contributing factor, with more patients with behavioral issues being brought to the hospital instead of being kept in the justice system. St. Joseph's has responded by adding security measures like metal detectors, pepper gel, and K-9 units, and is pushing for new legislation to protect medical staff.

Why it matters

The rise in violence against healthcare workers is a troubling trend that threatens the safety of medical professionals and the patients they serve. Hospitals are grappling with how to protect their staff while also providing quality care, raising concerns about the broader impacts on the healthcare system and patient outcomes.

The details

In one recent incident, Dr. Sharon Ekure was assaulted by a patient while performing a routine assessment. The patient became agitated after Ekure informed him of an upcoming court-ordered medication injection, and he dragged Ekure by her hair, struck her over the head and chest, and kicked her. Ekure suffered a concussion and severe bruising that kept her out of work for a week. St. Joseph's Health Hospital has reported over 165 similar incidents of violence against staff in the past 12 months, including kicking, punching, threats, and biting. Hospital administrators say bail reform has contributed to the problem, with more patients exhibiting behavioral issues being brought to the hospital instead of being kept in the justice system.

  • In early March 2026, Dr. Sharon Ekure was assaulted by a patient at St. Joseph's Health Hospital.
  • Over the past 12 months, St. Joseph's Health Hospital has reported more than 165 incidents of violence against healthcare staff.

The players

Dr. Sharon Ekure

A psychiatrist at St. Joseph's Health Hospital who was recently assaulted by a patient.

Meredith Price

The senior vice president of hospital operations at St. Joseph's Health Hospital, who spoke about the rise in violence against healthcare workers.

St. Joseph's Health Hospital

A hospital in Syracuse, New York that has seen a spike in incidents of violence against its healthcare staff.

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What they’re saying

“We talked about medication side effects, and then I notified him of the upcoming long-acting injection that is court-ordered to take, and I think that triggered him. He wasn't really yelling; he was accusing me of lying, that he doesn't have any medication, that any injection he has to take. I said that's ok, we do have a court order.”

— Dr. Sharon Ekure, Psychiatrist

“As I walked out, by the time I got to the door, I realized he was coming after me, but I didn't make it out. He dragged me by my hair.”

— Dr. Sharon Ekure, Psychiatrist

“Historically, patients may have been kept in jails or in the system; the police are bringing them here to be dealt with, not necessarily with issues that are clinical, but behavioral issues that need to be addressed.”

— Meredith Price, Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations, St. Joseph's Health Hospital

What’s next

St. Joseph's Health Hospital is working to get the Peace Officer Bill of Rights passed, which would provide additional legal protections for healthcare workers.

The takeaway

The rise in violence against healthcare workers is a growing crisis that threatens the safety of medical professionals and the patients they serve. Hospitals are being forced to implement new security measures and push for legislative reforms to address this issue, which has been exacerbated by changes to the criminal justice system.