DCH Health System Announces New Security Measures After Fatal Shooting Of Nurse

TUSCALOOSA, AL — DCH Health System on Thursday announced additional security measures as it continues to mourn the shooting death of nurse Ada Chapman Doss.

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As Patch previously reported, Doss was fatally shot Tuesday in a hospital parking lot during what investigators described as an attempted robbery by a man suffering from suspected mental illness.

In a statement issued Thursday, DCH leadership said the health system is “continuing to take action to strengthen safety and security measures across all three campuses to help caregivers, patients and visitors feel safer and more supported.

"Many of these changes have come through leadership’s seeking suggestions from caregivers, and we appreciate their sharing their concerns and ideas with us," DCH Health System added. "Like many of our improvements over the last several years, we need to establish incremental, sustainable changes to our environment."

The announcement comes two days after investigators said Doss, 27, was shot and killed while walking to her vehicle during a shift change at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa.

A deposition obtained Thursday by Tuscaloosa Patch says 41-year-old Matthew James Taylor was armed with a gun and pointed it at Doss demanding her car keys.

Doss then walked to her car while Taylor followed behind her with the gun pointed at her. The deposition says that while at the car, Taylor shot and killed Doss, before continuing to go through the her belongings and entering her vehicle.

Taylor was taken into custody nearby shortly after the shooting and has since been held without bond in the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

Court documents show Taylor's case has been assigned to Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet.

DCH Health System said Thursday it has begun implementing several immediate security enhancements, including the addition of uniformed off-duty police officers overnight, an increased visible security presence during shift changes, expanded training for security personnel and the availability of escorts to vehicles for employees and visitors.

Hospital leaders also announced plans to extend shuttle service hours and place an additional DCH van into service to supplement existing transportation options on campus.

DCH officials said the health system is also conducting a comprehensive review of security measures both inside hospital facilities and across campus grounds, while also evaluating additional long-term safety solutions and national best practices used at other healthcare systems.

Patch previously reported that DCH leaders addressed grieving employees in a video message Wednesday acknowledging the fear and anxiety felt across the health system while pledging to prioritize employee safety.

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