LAKEWOOD — A recent assault at Western State Hospital, one of the state’s two psychiatric hospitals, has renewed calls for more workers.
KOMO-TV reported that two patients got into a fight with two nurses and a mental health technician Tuesday night. One of the workers was taken to a hospital.
One of the patients told investigators that he planned to use a billiard ball inside a sock to assault staff. Tim Welch with the Washington Federation of State Employees says the latest assault is an example of how understaffing can have tragic results.
About two months ago, hospital employees held a rally to demand safer working conditions. A spokesman for the Department of Social and Health Services says they have asked for more funds to increase staff safety.
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