Nurse Assaulted at Brindisi Hospital: A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
Incident Overview
A 40-year-old nurse at the “Perrino” hospital in Brindisi, Italy, was attacked by a patient on Thursday, June 5. The incident occurred within the psychiatric operating unit. The nurse sustained facial trauma after being punched in the face.
- Location: Psychiatric operating unit, “perrino” Hospital, Brindisi
- Date: thursday, June 5
- Victim: 40-year-old nurse
- Injury: Facial trauma, estimated 15 days recovery
Following the assault, colleagues provided immediate assistance, and the nurse was taken to the emergency room for a CT scan and eye examination.
Hospital’s Response
Maurizio De Nuccio, the general manager of ASL Brindisi, addressed the incident, noting the patient had previously shown collaborative behavior. The episode,wich occurred for reasons not yet fully clarified,was perpetrated by a hospitalized psychiatric patient who,untill then,had always demonstrated collaborative behavior during the hospitalization.
The hospital management has taken the following steps:
- Activated the clinical risk unit reporting protocol.
- Initiated psychological support for the affected employee.
Commitment to Safety
de Nuccio emphasized the ASL Brindisi’s dedication to protecting its staff. We express our most heartfelt closeness and solidarity wiht the nurse and forcefully reiterate the commitment of the ASL Brindisi in the protection of the safety of thier operators, who daily work with professionalism and dedication in frequently enough complex contexts.
He also acknowledged the broader issue of aggression in healthcare settings, notably in psychiatric departments.
Today’s episode is sadly inserted in a wider phenomenon linked to the aggressive events in health contexts, with particular incidence in the psychiatric departments, were a minority of patients, where – in acute failure phases – can present unpredictable and violent behaviors.
Maurizio De Nuccio, General Manager of ASL Brindisi
Proposed Solutions and Future Actions
In response to the assault, ASL Brindisi supports the creation of a permanent discussion table. This table would include representatives from:
- The order of nursing professions
- Trade unions
- The head of the prevention and protection service (RSPP)
- Professional bodies
The goal is to develop and implement effective strategies for preventing violence and ensuring the health and safety of healthcare personnel.
Zero Tolerance for Violence
ASL Brindisi has taken a firm stance against violence. The ASL Brindisi says clearly that any form of violence against health workers is unacceptable and will be contrasted by any means at our disposal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at the Brindisi hospital?
A nurse was assaulted by a patient in the psychiatric operating unit.
What was the nurse’s injury?
the nurse suffered facial trauma and is expected to recover in 15 days.
What is the hospital doing in response?
The hospital activated reporting protocols, provided psychological support, and is forming a discussion table to prevent future incidents.
