Hospital security checks tipped by adviser

Security screenings should be done at leading public hospitals in Shanghai to prevent attacks on staff after a doctor in Beijing was stabbed to death by the son of one of her patients last month, local political adviser Li Qingfeng proposed.

According to Li's proposal, at 6am on December 24, Yang Wen, an associate chief physician of the Civil Aviation General Hospital's emergency department, died after being stabbed by a 55-year-old man who was unsatisfied with his mother's treatment.

The Chinese Medical Doctor Association strongly condemned the attack. An earlier white paper issued by the association showed that nearly 70 percent of doctors in China said they had experienced doctor-patient conflicts and more than 30 percent said they were the victims of violence from patients.

Over the past decade, there have been over 300 reports of doctors being attacked across the country.

Li believes it's more likely for aggressive acts to take place at hospitals where emotions run high. Persons with mental problems and cognitive impairment are also more likely to gather in hospitals.

He calls for a combination of policies and improved hospital management to protect medical workers.

Security checks like those in airports and local Metro stations should also be applied in hospitals to help detect dangerous weapons, like knives.

Real-time monitoring systems should be installed, while security guards can make patrols. Stricter hospital access systems may also be needed, according to the proposal.