Reggio Emilia – May 7, 2024 –
In Reggio Emilia, three years after the tragic death of nursing student Paola Ballerini, the prosecutor’s office concluded its investigation into her suicide. The inquiry, which began after Ballerini took her own life in May 2022, focused on the circumstances surrounding her death, specifically the conduct of a nurse who supervised her during an internship. Authorities are now scrutinizing the nurse with over 60 years of experience at Santa Maria Nuova hospital. The case echoes others where workplace pressures led to tragic outcomes, and further developments are expected.
Inquiry Concludes in Nursing Student’s Suicide; Nurse Under Scrutiny
Reggio Emilia, Italy – Three years after the tragic death of Paola Ballerini, a 21-year-old nursing student, the Reggio Emilia prosecutor’s Office has concluded its preliminary investigations. Ballerini, originally from cadeo, piacenza, died by suicide on May 10, 2022, after throwing herself from the Bismantova stone.
A nurse, with over 60 years of experience at the Santa Maria Nuova hospital, is now under investigation. The alleged crime is described as abuse of correctional adn disciplinary methods, aggravated by the resulting death of the young student.
Background: Internship and Growing Discomfort
Ballerini was enrolled in the nursing degree program based in reggio Emilia and shared an apartment with fellow students. She was scheduled to graduate in October 2022. The nurse under investigation supervised Ballerini during her internship in the pediatric ward between March and April 2022.
Months leading up to her death were marked by increasing distress, documented in messages, chats, diaries, and testimonies. Following the tragedy, Ballerini’s parents, Enrica and Francesco, initiated a determined effort to understand the circumstances surrounding their daughter’s suicide, providing investigators with crucial evidence.
Evidence Uncovered: “The nightmare Has Never End”
Among the evidence were files found on Ballerini’s computer, personal notes, private chats, and accounts from roommates and colleagues. Notably, a WhatsApp group named The nightmare has never end
revealed a shared sentiment among Ballerini and other trainees, describing a consistently oppressive work surroundings.
The Investigation: A Two-Pronged Approach
The investigation, initially led by prosecutor Piera Cristina Giannusa and later continued by Francesco Rivabella France, resulted in the nurse being listed as a suspect. Prosecutor Calogero Gaetano Paci is coordinating the final phase.The Prosecutor’s Office has also brought a second charge against the nurse, alleging similar behavior towards another trainee residing in Val d’Enza, who is considered an injured party.
The Day of the Tragedy
On may 10, 2022, Ballerini returned to Reggio Emilia after a brief visit home. Her parents accompanied her to the Fiorenzuola station that morning,expecting her to attend a meeting related to her internship. Instead, she went to the Bismantova stone and took her own life.A farewell note was discovered in her room.Emergency services, alerted by her roommates, could only confirm her death.
Echoes of Sara Pedri’s Case
This case evokes memories of Sara Pedri, a gynecologist from Forlì who disappeared in 2021, allegedly due to workplace pressure and mistreatment.According to her mother, Paola was deeply affected by Pedri’s story and discussed it with her family.
The nurse under investigation,represented by lawyer Nicola Tria,has not yet issued any public statements. A preliminary hearing is anticipated, during which the indictment request will be evaluated.
