Two staff members were stabbed at Provident Hospital in Bronzeville on Monday afternoon, police and hospital officials said.
About 1 p.m., a man stabbed the first victim, a 56-year-old man, in the chest with a “sharp object,” police said. Cook County Health officials confirmed the victim was a staff member and said another employee was also injured.
The 56-year-old was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center initially in fair condition, police said. He and the other victim were later listed in stable condition, a hospital spokesperson told the Sun-Times.
The alleged assailant was arrested, police said. An investigation is ongoing.
“Violence against healthcare workers is on the rise, and it is unacceptable. No one should have to fear for their safety while doing their job,” Cook County Health spokesperson Alexandra Normington said in a statement.
“This issue transcends physical harm — it impacts the emotional and psychological well-being of our entire team, and ultimately affects the quality of care we are able to provide. While we remain committed to providing the best care possible to our patients, we must also acknowledge that health care environments should be safe spaces for both patients and providers.”
Last November, 1,700 nurses at University of Illinois Health went on a four-day strike — following a weeklong strike in August — demanding improved safety conditions and higher pay.