Patient stabs 2 with needle, nurse knocked out during scuffle inside Philadelphia hospital: police

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating after an individual allegedly stabbed a nurse and injured several others inside a hospital on Wednesday.

It happened around 4:30 p.m. at Temple University Hospital's Episcopal Campus, which is located on the 100 block of E. Lehigh Avenue in the city's Kensington section.

According to police, a 39-year-old man was taken to the emergency room after reportedly showing symptoms of an overdose. They said he was also displaying violent and agitated behavior.

While being worked on by ER staff, police say the man was able to knock a hypodermic needle away from the nurse, poking a security guard in the arm. Another hospital staffer then tried to intervene but the man was able to stab that person twice in the forearm with the used needle.

The man then attempted to stab another staffer in the face but was able to back away.

During a struggle, two other hospital staff members were also injured, including a nurse who was rendered unconscious.

Chief Inspector Scott Small with the Philadelphia Police Department called it a "dangerous situation."

In all, four individuals were injured in the incident. Police say they are all listed as stable.

"The safety of our employees, patients and visitors is our first priority at Temple University Hospital - Episcopal Campus. We are working with police as they continue to investigate this incident. We are offering onsite support and resources to those impacted," said Temple Health in a statement.

This comes as nurses and hospital worker unions say workplace violence is on the rise.

"Hit, choked, spit on, any of those incidents happen daily. Those are daily incidents. The statistic that we are five times more likely to experience this is concerning," said Maureen May, a registered nurse at Temple University Hospital and president of the nurses union, PASNAP.

While May's union does not cover Episcopal Hospital workers, her concern extends to all Pennsylvania hospital workers.

"We're nurses and healthcare workers, we are not police, we are not prevention specialists, we are there to help patients and we also need the protection in place so we can protect our patients," she said.

State Representative Leanne Krueger, of Delaware County, introduced a House bill that would require health care facilities to develop protection plans, report incidents and include mandatory safety training. She is hopeful they can get it to the house floor for a vote this session.

PASNAP is urging lawmakers to pass this bill.

The union representing the health care workers attacked at Episcopal Hospital, Health Professionals & Allied Employees, released the following statement:

"Studies show that healthcare workers are five times more likely to be assaulted in the workplace than in any other profession. Recently, we've seen an uptick in violence, not only in our state, but across the nation in healthcare institutions. Employers must develop vigorous violence prevention programs with committees that meet regularly to assess the risks and develop strategies and training to minimize the threat of violence against their employees. Healthcare workers have a right to a safe workplace," said HPAE President Debbie White, RN.

The suspect from Episcopal Hospital is facing several charges of assault, recklessness endangerment and other related offenses.

There were other patients in the emergency room but no other injuries were reported.

Police have not identified the suspect at this time.