University Medical Center New Orleans Leads the Way in Advancing Workplace Safety for Patients and Staff

Ongoing safety upgrades and enhancements address national rise in violence against healthcare workers 

As workplace violence continues to rise across the healthcare industry, University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) is taking bold, proactive steps to protect its staff, patients and visitors. Healthcare workers are now five times more likely to experience workplace violence than those in other industries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Post-pandemic challenges have further increased risks, prompting national organizations like The Joint Commission to call for stronger safeguards. UMC is answering that call with urgency and innovation. 

“As the region’s safety net hospital and the only Level 1 Trauma Center, verified Burn Center and Behavioral Health Crisis Center, UMC faces complex safety challenges every day,” said Tom Patrias, Chief Operating Officer at UMC. “Our caregivers and patients deserve to feel safe and supported, and we are committed to taking strategic action to ensure that.” 

At the center of UMC’s efforts is UMC Safe, a coordinated, enterprise-wide initiative designed to transform the hospital’s approach to violence prevention and response. Developed by a cross-functional leadership team and implemented in collaboration with front-line staff, the program integrates physical security enhancements, policy updates, training and wellness initiatives to strengthen safety at every level. 

“UMC Safe is not a one-time effort - it’s a long-term cultural commitment,” said Kevin Dotson, Director of Security at UMC. “This is about building trust, empowering staff and setting the standard for safety in healthcare.” 

Guided by a collaborative team of operational and public safety leaders, UMC has significantly upgraded its security infrastructure and emergency response capabilities over the past year: 

• Weapons Detection Technology: The Athena detection system was installed in late 2024, helping reduce the number of weapons entering the facility. 

• Duress Badges: Over 3,500 badges have been issued to staff, allowing rapid alerts in emergencies. Activations in early 2025 averaged a 39-second response time. 

• Expanded Surveillance: Thirteen new cameras have been installed since October 2024, adding more than 1,000 currently in use. 

• Behavioral Health Safety: A dedicated Sally Port was added to reduce the risk of elopement and ensure safer patient transfers. 

• Campus Upgrades: Enhanced lighting, added traffic mirrors, improved walkways and the removal of physical hazards were made in response to staff feedback. 

Additionally, UMC is planning for future initiatives as it continues to evolve its safety approach with solutions: 

• Behavioral Emergency Response Team (BERT): A specialized de-escalation team to support staff and patients during behavioral health incidents. 

• Visitor Management Enhancements: New systems integrated with EPIC to streamline and secure visitor access. 

• Elevator Access Controls: Security card access is being added to restrict entry in key clinical and support areas. 

UMC's commitment to safety extends beyond infrastructure - it’s embedded in the culture of the hospital through strategic planning, frontline collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. The hospital has partnered with national security experts to evaluate and strengthen protocols across campus. As workplace violence remains a growing national concern, UMC is proud to be part of the solution, setting a new standard for safety in healthcare across the region and building a safer future for healthcare.  

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