AKRON, Ohio — A nurse working in the emergency room of Akron Children’s Hospital, who is nine months pregnant, was attacked by a juvenile patient on the evening of March 12. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. and involved a female minor as the alleged aggressor.
The offense is listed in the report as “assault on a health care worker.” Five witnesses provided statements detailing the events leading up to and during the attack, reports News 5 Cleveland.
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According to witness accounts, the assault reportedly began after the patient was asked to change out of her clothes. Witness statements describe escalating violence, including the patient throwing a shoe, repeatedly striking the nurse, and slamming her into a wall.
One witness noted hearing screams of, “She’s pregnant. Stop hitting her,” as the nurse was pinned to a door and repeatedly struck. Another staff member reportedly admonished the patient, stating, “You hit a pregnant girl,” to which the patient allegedly responded, “I don’t give a (expletive) if she’s pregnant.”
Panic Alarms Used to Summon Akron Children’s Hospital Police Officers
Efforts to restrain the patient were carried out by staff while panic buttons were activated to summon the hospital’s police department, reports The Beacon Journal.
The injured nurse was transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General for further evaluation. While her injuries have not been disclosed, reports indicate she is still recovering as of Monday, according to WHBC.
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The hospital’s police department is conducting an investigation into the matter. No further details about the patient or potential legal consequences have been released at this time.
The assault has raised concerns, once again, about the safety and security of healthcare workers in emergency room settings. Hospital employees are much more likely to experience workplace violence than workers in other professions.
