Emergency nurse allegedly attacked in broad daylight on city streets
A Cairns Hospital emergency nurse, who had her arm allegedly broken while donating items to an op shop, has spoken about her physical and emotional trauma.
Cairns
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A Cairns Hospital emergency nurse, who had her arm allegedly broken while donating items to a Bunda St op shop, has spoken out about street crime and the impact of her physical and emotional trauma.
Mary Deloren, 51, was dropping off donations to the Lifeline op shop store on Bunda St on Thursday about 12.30pm when she was allegedly attacked by a female who then allegedly attempted to steal her handbag.
Her injuries are so severe she will need to spend the next six to eight weeks off work.
Mrs Deloren was allegedly punched with such force that she sustained head injuries and a serious fracture to her arm, which may require surgery.
“I spent all day in the hospital yesterday. I’m on high dose painkillers and I’m still in agony.
“But it’s more the psychological side of it that will not leave me.
“It’s going to stay with me for a long time. That apprehension of anyone coming towards you on the street, are they going to be the next person to pounce on me, you know?”
The alleged offender fled the scene on foot before police arrived at the scene.
“Not working for the next six to eight weeks will be absolute hell for me because I love my job and I’ve never stopped in 35 years of nursing,” she said.
“Where can you be safe? You’re not safe in your home, you’re not safe out in public, you’re not safe anywhere, it’s just horrible.
“The way we have to exist in today’s society, that you have to be always apprehensive of people around you.
“I don’t want to be like that. I’ve always trusted in people and that there’s good out there, but it’s hard to feel that way now.”
Ms Deloren said the good Samaritans and police who assisted her after her fall had “restored some faith” in humanity.
“There’s an amazing group of people, they stayed by my side the whole time,” she said.
Mrs Deloren said police also escorted her to the hospital as all ambulances were busy at the time.
Police are appealing for any witnesses to the attack.
Anyone with CCTV or dash camera vision, or anyone with knowledge of the whereabouts of the alleged attacker should contact police and quote reference number QP2301575963.
The suspect is described as a female of unknown age, dark complexion, and possibly wearing black shorts.
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