Jēkabpils Regional Hospital calls for national security standards after doctor attacked

Following a physical assault on a doctor at Jēkabpils Regional Hospital, hospital leadership is calling for the establishment of unified and funded security standards for emergency departments across the country.

On August 6, a serious conflict occurred in the hospital's admission department. While a doctor was attempting to provide urgent medical assistance to a patient, the patient's companion physically attacked the medical professional. The situation involved highly aggressive behavior from those involved, requiring intervention from both the Municipal Police and the State Police.

Ervīns Keišs, the chairman of the board at Jēkabpils Regional Hospital, stated that such violence against medical personnel performing their professional duties is unacceptable. He noted that while physical attacks are not a daily occurrence, staff in emergency departments frequently encounter aggressive, emotionally distressed, or threatening behavior from patients and their companions, often due to acute crises or substance influence. Keišs emphasized that hospitals must ensure a safe working environment through internal procedures, response algorithms, and adequate security resources.