The Massachusetts Department of Health wants to take away pepper spray and non-lethal restraints from Tewksbury State Hospital’s public safety officers. The state-run hospital has a large mental health patient population that includes criminal defendants who have psychiatric and behavioral issues. The hospital has a history of problematic incidents involving patients who’ve attacked healthcare workers. The nurses’ union that represents Tewksbury Hospital said the hospital’s public safety officers “absolutely need the tools” to keep the staff safe. MA Rep. David Robertson agrees and filed a petition pushing back on the state’s proposal. Rep. Robertson joined us to discuss.

<p>The Massachusetts Department of Health wants to take away pepper spray and non-lethal restraints from Tewksbury State Hospital&rsquo;s public safety officers. The state-run hospital has a large mental health patient population that includes criminal defendants who have psychiatric and behavioral issues. The hospital has a history of problematic incidents involving patients who&rsquo;ve attacked healthcare workers. The nurses&rsquo; union that represents Tewksbury Hospital said the hospital&rsquo;s public safety officers &ldquo;absolutely need the tools&rdquo; to keep the staff safe. MA Rep. David Robertson agrees and filed a petition pushing back on the state&rsquo;s proposal. Rep. Robertson joined us to discuss.</p>

NightSide focuses on a wide variety of issues, political, economic and social. Rea believes that talk radio is the best way for people to communicate their opinions and ideas on what he calls “North America’s Virtual Back Porch.” Rea encourages challenging conversations and diverse ideas combined with respect and tolerance for the opinion of others. But don’t think for a moment that NightSide is anything but provocative, always interesting and at times, passionate and emotional. 642427

NightSide focuses on a wide variety of issues, political, economic and social. Rea believes that talk radio is the best way for people to communicate their opinions and ideas on what he calls “North America’s Virtual Back Porch."

NightSide With Dan Rea

Tewksbury Hospital vs. MA Dept of Health

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/98a2599f-cd9b-4f2a-9be4-b22c00e585f2/clips/def3733a-aac9-4fb9-ab31-b4220058a2dc/transcript