A nurse was assaulted by a patient’s daughter in the emergency department of the Marie Curie Civil Hospital in Lodelinsart (province of Hainaut), prompting a police complaint for assault and battery.
The hospital group HUmani, which oversees the establishment, condemned the incident on Thursday and assured its support for the victim. They also announced plans to become a civil party in the judicial procedure as soon as possible.
According to HUmani, the incident occurred while an elderly patient was having a cast put on in the emergency room. The patient’s daughter reportedly criticised the nurse’s treatment of her mother. She then allegedly punched the nurse in the shoulder as the nurse turned her back, followed by further blows and scratches, particularly to the hands. The assailant left the hospital, abandoning her mother, before security arrived.
After her shift ended, the nurse filed a police complaint for assault and battery and had her injuries documented by a doctor. She has been declared unfit for work for at least eight days.
HUmani’s management expressed unwavering support for the nurse, condemning the attack as "intolerable behaviour." In a statement, the hospital group warned that anyone attacking staff would face legal action from HUmani.
The hospital group reported a "massive influx" of patients since late November, acknowledging that this could lead to increased tensions among patients and their companions. However, HUmani insisted that this does not justify violence and called for an "exemplary" response from the justice system.
