Violence in ER a growing problem in Massachusetts

With more patients flocking to emergency rooms and ER waiting times growing, the Massachusetts Nurses Association says its members are fending off an increasing number of aggressive patients, as well as their frustrated family members. Nurses say part of the problem is that hospitals have made security guards less conspicuous in an effort to cultivate a more friendly, service-oriented setting. They say the trend comes as ERs are seeing more patients likely to act out because of substance abuse or psychiatric problems.