Patient assaults hospital nurse in early hours of New Year’s Day
Archive photo
CORFU. The union reports yet another incident of violence against a hospital employee.
(From the announcement) At 4 a.m. on New Year’s Day, a patient attacked the nurse on duty in the surgical ward, and struck her in the face.
Although the hospital’s private security service was called, the situation could not be managed, as the patient was out of control and posed a danger both to staff and to other patients in the ward. In accordance with protocol, the nurse on call was notified so that the incident could be officially recorded.
On the occasion of yet another attack against a colleague—an employee of our hospital while on duty—we wish to protest and to demand that the hospital administration apply the relevant legislation so that those who disrupt the operation of healthcare facilities are reported and punished immediately by the hospital administration itself, rather than by the individual employee. We also demand that every possible measure be taken, to the fullest extent, to ensure the physical safety and mental well-being of all employees while on duty.
Furthermore, we demand from the hospital administration, the administration of the 6th Regional Health Authority, and the Ministry of Health the immediate filling of all vacant permanent positions at our hospital, which currently exceed 50% per sector. Severe understaffing creates shortages and fuels tensions, thereby sustaining incidents of violence that endanger the physical and mental safety of employees.
At the same time, we call upon the people of Corfu and all users of healthcare services at Corfu General Hospital to stand in solidarity with and protect the few remaining employees of the island’s only hospital, against a minority that chooses the path of harassment and violence. Cooperation between healthcare users and healthcare workers is essential so that the former can enjoy their right to dignified working conditions and the latter their right to modern, fully staffed, safe, and high-quality public healthcare services.
Finally, the employees’ union stands by the affected worker in whatever she may need and will provide financial support for any legal coverage required.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
