San Francisco, California – In a move to enhance safety at its California Pacific Medical Center Davies campus, Sutter has spent nearly $40 million on security measures such as cameras, panic buttons, duress alarms, and secured doors for its inpatient psychiatric unit. According to a statement from Sutter reported by KQED, the challenge lies in securing the unit while providing therapeutic care. However, concerns have been raised by hospital staff, stating that security officers are not readily available on the same floor as the psych unit, leading to delays in response time during emergencies.
Eric Kalis, a psychiatry resident at California Pacific Medical Center, expressed frustration over the lack of timely security assistance, highlighting the vital need for security officers in the inpatient psych unit. While Sutter planned to have a dedicated in-unit security officer from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the implementation faced challenges initially. The hospital later extended security hours beginning at 9 a.m. to improve safety measures.
Following an assault, Dani Golomb, a psychiatry resident, experienced physical and emotional consequences, impacting her ability to work effectively. Despite facing challenges and health issues post-assault, Golomb returned to work but eventually had to take a year-long leave due to ongoing turmoil. She sought therapy and engaged in artistic activities to cope with the trauma, eventually deciding to return to Sutter, aiming to graduate from her residency in June 2025.
In response to workplace violence in healthcare, California lawmakers have passed laws aimed at improving safety, including the requirement for hospitals to have violence prevention plans and report incidents to the state. Efforts to address mental health issues linked to violent incidents have led to the creation of the California civil CARE Court, allowing intervention for individuals with psychotic illness. However, controversies surround laws like SB 43, expanding conservatorship to include substance use disorders, raising concerns about privacy and civil rights violations.
The debate continues as healthcare officials emphasize the need for adequate resources to support individuals affected by mental illness, highlighting the challenges faced by hospitals in handling such cases. Initiatives like the hospital violence task force aim to improve safety measures and training for healthcare workers. As California grapples with implementing laws to address mental health issues and workplace violence, the push for comprehensive solutions remains ongoing to ensure the well-being of both patients and healthcare providers alike.