Recent statistics reveal that assaults against healthcare workers in Denmark have surged, prompting urgent calls for increased security measures in hospitals.
Rising Violence Against Healthcare Workers in Denmark
In Denmark, healthcare professionals are facing a disturbing increase in violent incidents while on duty. Lars Gaardhøj, the chairman of the Capital Region, has emphasized the urgent need to enhance safety for doctors and nurses, as alarming statistics report a significant rise in both physical and psychological violence against healthcare staff in the region. According to data from Statistics Denmark, 24 percent of all violent crimes fall under the category of ‘violence and similar acts against public authorities,’ and hospitals are included in this alarming statistic.
Alarming Trends in Violence
A report from the Capital Region indicates that healthcare workers have increasingly experienced both physical and psychological violence over the past two years. In 2024 alone, roughly 800 incidents were recorded where patients exhibited violent behavior towards nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff. This is a staggering increase; physical violence has surged by 69 percent since 2022, while psychological violence and threats have escalated by 92 percent during the same timeframe.
Michael Rosenstand Lerche, a nurse at Amager Hospital’s emergency room, recounted a particularly distressing encounter: “It is anxiety-provoking. I have stood face-to-face with someone who pulled out a metal pipe to hit me.” His experiences are echoed by many colleagues who are increasingly concerned about their safety.
Challenges Faced by Emergency Rooms
The problem of violent patients is particularly pronounced in emergency departments, such as those at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, and North Zealand Hospital. Lotte Klitfod, the chief physician in the emergency department at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, highlighted that the violence often stems from a diverse array of patients – including those frustrated by long wait times, as well as individuals affected by alcohol, substance abuse, or mental health issues. She explained, “We handle a lot of patients, always prioritizing those who are most sick. This can lead to frustration over wait times, both for patients and their loved ones.”
Understanding the Surge in Incidents
While Gaardhøj pointed out that it is challenging to determine whether the spike in assaults is due to an actual increase in episodes or improved reporting and documentation by hospitals, he also noted a broader trend in society. “The fuse has become shorter in this country. We react very quickly with threats and even violence. This is now affecting our hospitals, and it simply has to stop,” he stated.
The situation in Denmark is part of a larger national context; 2022 recorded the highest number of violent crime reports in the country since Statistics Denmark began its record-keeping in 1990. In a particularly concerning trend, hospitals and other public institutions are increasingly becoming the targets of assaults.
Protective Measures Being Implemented
In response to growing concerns, Region Hovedstaden has initiated several proactive measures aimed at improving safety for healthcare workers. These include a range of preventive strategies, staff training initiatives, video surveillance, and collaboration with the police, local authorities, and treatment centers. Furthermore, there will be follow-ups on episodes of violence to ensure comprehensive responses to incidents.
Starting from April 2, 2025, healthcare workers’ names can be obscured in electronic patient files for patients who exhibit violent or threatening behavior. This measure is a step towards protecting staff identities and enhancing their safety.
Task Force for Enhanced Safety
In addition to these initiatives, a specialized task force has been created within the region to explore further possibilities for improving safety protocols. Gaardhøj explained that the task force is currently reviewing the physical setups of emergency receptions in hospitals. They are assessing whether those involved can find safe exits during volatile situations or if emergency services can access patients around the clock. This committee will examine critical elements such as escape routes, locks, access conditions, and camera surveillance.
The findings of this task force are expected to be ready by summer, potentially yielding new strategies to safeguard healthcare professionals and create a more secure working environment.
As the healthcare system in Denmark grapples with increasing violence against its staff, steps toward enhanced safety measures become increasingly crucial. The high rates of violent incidents against healthcare workers not only compromise worker safety but also impact patient care and the overall healthcare environment. With initiatives like obscuring worker information and forming a focused task force, there is hope that the necessary changes will be implemented swiftly to protect those dedicating their lives to caring for others.
