Jefferson Abington Hospital cited for excessive force by a security guard; patient was told she was at fault, raising concerns after new footage emerged.

In April 2024, an incident at Jefferson Abington Hospital has raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of patients with mental health crises, particularly in emergency settings. Security video footage obtained by Media News Source presents a troubling scene: a woman, identified as Julie, can be seen shuffling barefoot down a hospital hallway, wrapped in a blanket. Moments later, she is forcibly restrained on the floor by a security guard.

The incident, which occurred during Julie’s admission for a mental health crisis, drew the attention of Pennsylvania health inspectors. Their review led to the conclusion that the security guard’s actions constituted excessive use of force, a determination supported by video evidence and interviews with hospital staff. According to witnesses familiar with the situation, Julie did not exhibit violent behavior prior to the encounter. Rather, the video shows her being cornered by the guard, leading to a physical confrontation that lasted several minutes.

Julie, a 47-year-old mother who has long grappled with mental health issues, expressed disbelief upon receiving legal notifications charging her with assault weeks after the incident. Disturbed by the lack of communication from hospital authorities regarding the subsequent health department citation, she felt that the incident morphed into a legal battle rather than a medical care issue. Health officials cited Jefferson for “immediate jeopardy” due to the incident, highlighting pervasive safety concerns within the facility, particularly regarding the treatment of patients undergoing mental health crises.

In the broader context, the incident reflects a growing concern among healthcare professionals regarding the handling of mental health patients in hospital environments. An analysis by Media News Source revealed that about one-third of safety citations against hospitals in Philadelphia and surrounding areas in recent years involved patients receiving treatment for mental or behavioral health issues.

Abington Hospital has faced scrutiny, as it was cited multiple times within a short period for aggressive behavior by security personnel towards such patients. One documented incident involved a guard using handcuffs on a patient, a violation of the hospital’s policies, pointing to systemic issues in staff training.

The situation surrounding Julie’s case escalated when Craig Busick, a security shift supervisor at the hospital, expressed concerns after observing the video. He identified inconsistencies in the guard’s account of the encounter, which ultimately led to his own reprimand and later termination, raising alarms regarding whistleblower protection in medical settings.

Mental health advocates have echoed the need for significant procedural changes in how hospitals address patient conflicts, suggesting the implementation of training programs focusing on de-escalation techniques and understanding the complexities of mental health crises.

As Julie plans to pursue legal action against Jefferson for battery and neglect, she hopes her experience will shine a light on the treatment of individuals with mental health issues within healthcare facilities. Her story underscores the urgent need for reform in security protocols to ensure the safety and dignity of all patients in crisis.