Patient charged for alleged assault on hospital staff

Townsville University Hospital CEO responds to an alleged assault against ED staff, the accused patient charged by police.

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Two hospital staff were allegedly seriously assaulted by a male patient in Townsville, who lashed out at them while they were trying to assist.

Townsville District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Darren Randall said police officers were called to the Townsville University Hospital about 6.30am Sunday following reports of staff members being assaulted.

He said two male security guards were allegedly assaulted while assisting medical staff with a male patient.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said assault on hospital workers is never acceptable.

“I was extremely disappointed to hear that staff were subject to this kind of behaviour in the emergency department,” Mr Keyes said.

“Our community needs to know that these incidents are not tolerated nor are they taken lightly.

“Patients and visitors to our hospital who make the deliberate choice to assault hospital workers will be referred to the Queensland Police Service.”

Snr Sgt Randall said the accused has been charged with two counts of serious assault against a public officer.

The two men injured in the scuffle have since been discharged from hospital.

Originally published as Patient charged for alleged assault on hospital staff