Nurse assaulted by patient
Another nurse has been assaulted while trying to provide safe patient care. The attack happened October 26 in the maximum security unit of the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam.
The nurse was sucker punched while trying to de-escalate an argument between two patients. He was taken to emergency and is now recovering at home. The RCMP has been notified and charges are being considered.
"This is another horrendous example of why BCNU is taking on this issue and demanding that health authorities provide the resources to stop the violence," says BCNU President Gayle Duteil.
The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital is one of four sites where the province has agreed to implement changes to improve nurses' safety.
Duteil says it's not enough. "This is one of the most violent facilities in the province. Nurses need adequate protection and they need it now. Security officers must be on duty 24/7 on each unit."
In September there were 13 reported assaults on staff at the hospital. Last week, BCNU launched a hotline for members to call if they've been assaulted by a patient.
CONTACT:
Catherine Pope
BCNU Communications
cpope@bcnu.org
604-313-7412