WellSpan Reduces Workplace Violence Injury by 55%
In an era where workplace violence in healthcare is on the rise, WellSpan Health is proving that meaningful change is not only possible—it’s necessary, according to a new story from Becker’s Hospital Review. Over the past two years, this nine-hospital system in Pennsylvania achieved a stunning 55% reduction in workplace injuries due to violence, far surpassing its original goal of just 5%.
WellSpan’s success began with leadership recognizing that protecting caregivers had to be more than a checkbox. The organization invested over $20 million in a multi-pronged safety strategy, prioritizing the physical and psychological safety of its employees, especially nurses.
Bill White, appointed as VP of Public Safety, brought focused leadership to these efforts, and senior executives like Vicky Diamond underscored the commitment by personally calling staff who experienced incidents. This gesture reminded caregivers they’re not just employees, they’re valued humans.
To reduce incidents before they escalate, WellSpan implemented:
- Enhanced Security Measures: Metal detectors, handheld wands, and armed hospital resource officers were introduced in high-risk areas.
- Real-Time Response Tools: The Strongline system allows staff to discreetly summon help with the push of a button on their badge, especially critical in patient rooms or when working alone.
- Expanded Visitor Management: Technology now flags and restricts visitor access for individuals with a history of violent behavior, preventing recurring threats.
- Data-Driven Targeting: Incident reports are now being deeply analyzed to identify patterns, like increased risk during care transitions or off-shifts, allowing the hospital to assign extra support when and where it’s most needed.
For many nurses, the most empowering change may be the organization-wide de-escalation training. With all 23,000 employees receiving tailored training (ranging from 2 to 24 hours), frontline staff now have tools not just to react, but also to proactively manage difficult or escalating patient and visitor situations.
In February 2025, a tragic shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital underscored the urgency of WellSpan’s mission. The loss of two lives and injuries to five others served as a sobering reminder that this isn’t theoretical—it’s real. In response, WellSpan doubled down on its security efforts, refusing to let such incidents become normalized.
