Riverside Medical Center locked down during disturbance

The Riverside Medical Center’s Kankakee campus was lockdown (Tuesday) following a threat made by a patient’s family member. The 3-hour lockdown ended at 5:15 pm, once officials determined the threat was no longer an issue for the safety of hospital staff, visitors and others.

Riverside security worked with Kankakee Police, other employees and hospital-greeters to control the situation. Charges are expected to be filed against an Urbana man, said to be responsible for the threat.

Riverside spokesperson Carl Maronich said in a press release, “We take these situations very seriously. The safety of our staff and our patients and visitors is of the utmost importance.”

“Across the country, violence against health care workers has never been higher. Here at Riverside, we take all means necessary to protect our staff,” Maronich said.
The son of a patient made threatening statements.

Riverside credited Kankakee Police and hospital staff for working together to resolve the matter.

“Words and behaviors matter,” Maronich said. “Health care can be an emotional experience, we understand that, but we cannot tolerate any incidents of violence or threats to our staff. We ask everyone who comes through our doors to show respect and consideration for all patients, visitors and staff.”

94.1 WGFA