By: Alexia King-Whyte

September 12, 2023

Nurse hospitalized following attack by man of unsound mind.

A 31-year-old nurse was attacked by a man of unsound mind at the May Pen Hospital late Sunday night.

The nurse, after completing her 16-hour shift was approaching the main gate when a man said to be of unsound mind reportedly chased her and hit her in the head with a large stone. According to reports, this took place between 10 and 11 pm. The man is said to have been taken to the hospital by a family member to receive treatment.

The injured nurse stated that she ran through 2 security posts without getting any assistance from security. A porter and an elderly patient assisted the nurse which resulted in the elderly man being attacked.

The Southern Regional Heath Authority (SRHA) reported that additional security measures have been implemented at the medical facility following the incident. There was a meeting on September 11 following a protest by nurses who were armed with placards and gathered at the main gate of the hospital. After the meeting with the management team, the nursing group and other personnel, the nurses returned to work still furious with remaining concerns. 

“It was an elderly man who came to the assistance of the nurse, and he was attacked as well. He is now admitted in the A&E while the nurse is badly beaten. Her skull has been fractured and she is now hospitalized," said one nurse who, along with her peers, briefly stayed off the job in Monday’s protest.

President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica, Patsy Edwards Henry, gave an update on the nurse’s condition. She stated that the nurse received fractured skull and is admitted to the hospital. She stated that based on initial reports, there was a CT scan done and they await that report. The Nurses Association urges the authorities to put measures in place to ensure the safety of their staff and says the incident is upsetting and traumatic. 

Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority, Wayne Chen reports that it was agreed that the private security contracted at the hospital will escort members of staff to their vehicles or to their pickup points. Also, CCTV cameras are doubled from 50 to l00 and the police officers assigned to the police post at the hospital will be engaged in increase mobile patrol on the compound. Additionally, professional counselling will be provided for the injured nurse, her family and other staff members.