BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A shooting incident occurred late Sunday night in the Emergency Department at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. The incident happened just before midnight, when a patient reportedly arrived at the hospital with a firearm.
According to Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1133, the patient was placed alone in an Emergency Department room, where he later fired the weapon, injuring himself. He was then taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC).
He was then taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC). No employees, members, patients, or visitors were hurt.
"This incident today highlights the growing crisis of violence in healthcare facilities, an issue that frontline healthcare workers have been raising for years," Cori Gambini, registered nurse and CWA Local 1168 president said.
In response to the incident, CWA Local 1133 held a press conference Monday to discuss their demands for increased safety protocols to protect healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.
"I come to work every day to care for my patients, but I or my co-workers should never have to fear for our safety while doing our jobs," Maureen Kryszak, a charge nurse in the emergency room said. "Violence in the hospital has been an issue for years, and today's incident is yet another reminder that more work must be done."
This shooting happened as union members and Catholic Health are in the middle of negotiations over a workers' contract set to expire in late June.
Brian Magner, CWA Local 1133 president, said members are advocating for a long list of protocols, including bulletproof glass and metal detectors.
"And while they have started to implement some measures, progress is too slow," Magner said. "Change needs to happen now before another dangerous incident occurs."
I reached out to Catholic Health and received the following statement:
“Incidents like this are becoming all too common, and it is critical to all of us that our associates not be put in danger. We are responding with immediate action and we have added a second armed guard at Mercy Hospital, who will be stationed exclusively in the Emergency Department 24/7. Today, our Leadership team is evaluating the results of a third party safety study recently completed at Catholic Health. We have reached out to invite our CWA partners to be part of this discussion, and will be taking action on the recommended plan immediately."
I also reached out to the Buffalo Police Department and received the following statement:
Buffalo Police responded to a shooting call at the hospital just before midnight last night. The incident remains under investigation.
