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I have never worked in health care, but I have deep respect for those who do.
Many of my friends and family members serve others through health care, law enforcement and fire service.
The recent tragedies, including the York hospital shooting and the assault in Altoona, have shed light on a troubling issue: the lack of adequate protection for those who dedicate their lives to saving others.
The response from UPMC has been disappointing. No corporation should allow executives to earn tens of millions of dollars while failing to reinvest in the safety and security of its workforce.
Through my own experiences visiting UPMC facilities, I have seen gaps in security firsthand.
On several occasions, I have delivered items to my wife late at night and was surprised by the ease with which I was able to enter and move throughout the hospital without any questions, security checks or oversight.
While emergency departments may have metal detectors, there appears to be little follow-up interaction or identification checks once individuals enter. There are missed opportunities to conduct risk assessments and ensure that every person entering the facility is properly screened.
As someone who works in logistics, I understand the importance of layered systems of accountability and protection. Hospitals must be held to the same standard. It is time for UPMC to take meaningful action -- to strengthen security protocols, increase on-site police presence, and create a safer environment for the men and women who dedicate their lives to the care of others.
Sean Ford
Ebensburg