Harborview guards say grounds too dangerous

Harborview guards say grounds too dangerous

Tools

Story Published: Aug 30, 2007 at 10:50 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2007 at 7:00 AM PDT

By KOMO Staff

Watch the story
SEATTLE -- Security officers at Harborview Medical Center plan to hit the streets on Friday to protest the violence they claim is present on hospital grounds.

The group plans to hand out flyers that picture a security officer with a black eye following an incident on the job. The officers say if they aren't protected, hospital staff members and visitors aren't safe either.

"Right outside the ER doors I've been involved in multiple fights," said Tyler Miller, a security officer.

Miller says he had to go to the emergency room on six different occasions to receive treatment for injuries suffered on the job.

But hospital spokesperson Susan Gregg-Hanson insists there is no reason people should be concerned.

"You know we have about three times the security out here than other hospitals in the area," she said.

When asked whether the hospital's security officers are safe, Gregg-Hanson said, "We feel that with the training they've been offered, yes."

Hospital officials say reviews conducted as recent as July showed no deficiencies in security at the hospital. But Miller plans to dispute those findings.

"The hospital says 'patients are safe, security is fine.' I don't know how they can say that and I always relate back to the stats because the stats are factual," he said.

Miller has been placed on administrative leave after patient privacy concerns came up when he reported an incident to Seattle police.

Still, Miller plans to stand outside the hospital and take part in the protest.


Weather & Traffic

Icon
Current Temp 72.0 °F
Partly Cloudy
More Weather

Weather & Traffic

More Weather

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Marketplace