Hospitals in Slovakia are to strengthen security by the end of the year, particularly in emergency departments. The measures will include on-site security guards, emergency alarm buttons, increased police patrols and designated police contacts for each emergency department.
Healthcare workers will also receive training in de-escalation techniques to help them manage potentially violent situations. Minister of Health of the Slovak Republic Kamil Šaško said the aim was to prevent attacks and protect both staff and patients.
The measures follow a series of attacks on healthcare workers at two Bratislava hospitals in October. Safety audits will be carried out in the coming weeks to identify high-risk areas and determine what additional protection is needed.
TASR
