Sixty-three assaults at hospital over a 17 month period
It was claimed that a consultant was pepper sprayed in the emergency department.
There were 63 assaults and physical attacks recorded as happening at Sligo University Hospital over a 17-month period. In 13 instances, weapons such as a walking stick, Zimmer frame, plate, cup, glass, and bottles of urine, were used.
However, the Saolta Group said these assaults were mainly classified as unintentional due to patients’ clinical presentation for example dementia, cognitive challenges, disorientation, and mental health challenges. Many of the incidents arose from the same patient during their hospital stay.
At the May meeting of the HSE West Regional Health Forum, Sligo County Councillor Declan Bree asked for the number of assaults and physical attacks on staff at SUH during the period January 1st to date. Cllr Declan Bree felt obliged to submit the question, after councillors in Sligo were shocked in April when it was claimed at a meeting of the county council that there had been two knife attacks on staff.
It was also claimed that a consultant was pepper sprayed in the emergency department and that other staff had been assaulted by people using hammers and screwdrivers, he said.
In its response, the Saolta Hospital Group said that there were no recorded attacks where knives were used. There were 13 incidents recorded where other weapons were used. These included a walking stick, Zimmer frame, iPad, a remote control, a plate, cup, glass, a phone, an IV stand, commode lid, bottles of urine, and a jug of water.
The group said that the suspect in a minor assault on a member of staff is charged and before the courts. A case of a patient-on-patient minor assault is also before the courts.
It added that there were ongoing security reviews, including an external security review of the emergency department of SUH in December 2023. Furthermore, additional 24/7 security staff are in place, and CCTV has been reviewed, extended and upgraded.
Cllr Bree welcomed the news and said he expected it would come as a relief to many people working and attending the hospital. He was also pleased to note that security was regularly reviewed,and he thanked the hospital for its response.
