SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- What’s a Catholic hospital without a crucifix? Apparently, a safer one.
An HSHS St. John’s Hospital memo obtained by WBBM does not go into much detail other than to say that in the emergency department and in all patient rooms, crosses and crucifixes have been removed, pending the arrival of “safer replacements.”
The memo does not specify what those will be, or what prompted the decision, but said more information, including a timeline, will be disseminated to staff in huddles.
The memo is from the hospital’s president and CEO, manager of mission integration and spiritual care, and director of facilities.
An HSHS spokeswoman Monday afternoon said in a statement that patient and staff safety is the hospital's top priority, adding there will be no further comment at this time.
"In response to the changing healthcare landscape and the general increase in healthcare workers experiencing workplace violence, we have made the decision to temporarily remove wooden and metal crucifixes from patient rooms and the emergency department," the statement said.
"Our colleagues are given additional tools, education and resources needed to deescalate violence before it occurs to manage aggressive behavior. We have a robust and advanced security department that works closely with local law enforcement."
According to the statement, all staff members take Management of Aggressive Behaviors training, and direct care staff go through additional intensive training.
In addition, the hospital has active shooter trainings, silent alarms, 24/7 surveillance, emergency phones, strategic security and law enforcement presence, and "many other advanced tools and practices in place to protect" staff.
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