Unions demand safer workplace after patient shoots himself at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Presidents and directors of unions CWA Local 1168 and CWA Local 113, along with nurses, gathered Monday to demand a safer workplace after a shooting occurred Sunday night inside of Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, leaving one person injured.

According to Catholic Health, a patient sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the hospital’s emergency department and no one else was harmed. The patient was taken to ECMC where he is still being treated.

Members of the unions describe the situation as an example of the “growing crisis” within health care facilities.

“Health care workers are at a higher risk of workplace violence than any other work,” said CWA Local 1168 President Cori Gambini. “The right to a safe workplace is fundamental. No worker should have to fear for their life while caring for patients.”

President of CWA Local 1133 Brian Magner said conversations are happening with Catholic Health, but that progress has been “too slow.”

The union is demanding metal detectors in public entryways, bulletproof glass in public-facing areas, armed security guards in waiting rooms, and signage saying all weapons are prohibited, as well as limitations on visitors to the emergency department.

There is currently no vetting of patients or visitors coming into local facilities, according to CWA District 1 Area Director Debora Hayes.

“We have had incidents where patients have been in hospitals, one of our facilities, where they’ve had to have an MRI done and because it’s a magnet, took a loaded weapon out and just put it on the counter,” Hayes said. “So, it’s a very real concern and it has been for a while.”

Catholic Health President and CEO Joyce Markiewicz said a second armed security guard has been stationed at Mercy Hospital following the incident to keep workers out of danger.

Union leaders said contract negotiations began March 3 before their contract expires June 30.

WIVB News 4 has reached out to Buffalo police and are waiting to hear back.

Union officials could not provide more information on the shooting.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.

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