Bergen County Executive James Tedesco did not rule out offering another contract to the private company that runs the hospital. Watch video
PARAMUS - In response to documented cases of hundreds of assaults at Bergen Regional Medical Center, County Executive James Tedesco on Wednesday announced an increase in police presence and other measures designed to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
But Tedesco did not appear to rule out denying another contract to the private, for-profit company that manages the 1,000-bed hospital, which is owned by Bergen County.
The company's contract expires in March 2017.
"Effective immediately, there will be increased officer presence on the (hospital) campus," Tedesco said during a press conference. "No one should fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones."
The Record reported there were nearly 290 assaults at the Paramus hospital, an increase from 2014.
Tedesco said he "can't answer" why police reports documenting the assaults in the past had not been reviewed by hospital staff or county officials.
"The reports started a few years ago when the sheriff didn't have any oversight over (the hospital)," Tedesco said. "From the sheriff's standpoint, (the assaults) have only happened recently."
In addition to increased police presence, Tedesco said he has instructed the operator of the hospital to hire an outside consultant to evaluate patient and worker safety.
Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino and Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal will jointly conduct a buildings and facilities threat and vulnerability assessment for the 68-acre campus and report their findings to the county, Tedesco said.
Law enforcement will provide reports of assaults, crimes or other concerns to the Bergen County Improvement Authority, which oversees the hospital.
"Upon completion of the assessments by the sheriff, prosecutor and outside consultant, we will determine if additional security measures should be enacted," Tedesco said.
Asked whether the current operator of the hospital should be allowed to reapply for a new contract, Tedesco said the county would consider all qualified bids.
Tedesco added that he has been working with State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck) to identify "Legislative options that would expand oversight at Bergen Regional Medical Center and hospitals across the state."
Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found eight incidents in which health care workers were victims of violent patients. In one case, a nurse suffered a laceration and bruises trying to stop an attack on a patient.
The agency cited the hospital for failing to keep the workplace free of hazards.
After the hospital was cited by OSHA last year, Bergen Regional reported to county officials that the N.J. Department of Health found that the hospital met state standards, Tedesco said.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.