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Allina Health hospital security concerns
Workers within the Allina Health hospital in River Falls, Wisconsin, are expressing increasing concerns over a decision to drastically cut back on security officers on its campus. FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard has the details.
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (FOX 9) - Allina’s hospital in River Falls has cut back on security officers, raising concerns among staff about safety.
Security cutbacks at Allina hospital
What we know:
For 14 hours each weekday, there will be no security officers present at the Wisconsin hospital. This change was implemented on Dec. 27, shortly after a security officer was allegedly killed by a patient in Wyoming.
Employees at the hospital, fearing job loss, have expressed their concerns anonymously. They have reported being physically attacked on the job and now rely on coworkers for protection until police arrive.
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Allina hospital workers concerned about security changes
Employees at Allina Health's River Falls Area Hospital are concerned about possible security cuts. FOX 9's Corin Hoggard has more.
Employee concerns and company rationale
What they're saying:
"This absolutely should go to show that we can't afford to lose security here," said an Allina Health Care employee. Another employee added, "It's really just our coworkers, the people we work alongside, who are going to be our only option for protection until police arrive."
Allina's memo explained the cutbacks were to align with financial realities and current needs, focusing on technology and enhanced procedures for safety.
"This decision was made after careful review of incident data, call volumes and operational needs. We continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to monitor and respond to safety concerns near our facilities," they told FOX9 in a statement.
However, employees disagree, feeling vulnerable and highlighting the replacement of a single security manager with three managers before laying off officers.
What we don't know:
It remains unclear how the new safety measures focusing on technology will effectively replace the presence of security officers.