Nurse accused of choking Caulfield Hospital patient trying to help, not hurt man — court
A nurse charged with choking a patient at Caulfield Hospital has denied intentionally hurting the man, telling a court footage of the incident failed to show he was trying to help, not hurt him.
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A nurse charged with choking a patient says footage of the incident failed to show he was trying to help, not hurt him.
Leopold Ramos, 30, appeared at the Moorabbin Magistrates Court for the first time today since being charged with attacking Billy Aivaliotis.
Mr Aivaliotis, who has cerebral palsy, was a patient at Caulfield Hospital after he was hit by a car leaving him with a serious brain injury.
HIDDEN CAMERA FILMS ALLEGED CAULFIELD HOSPITAL PATIENT ABUSE
His family became concerned about the care he was receiving and installed a covert camera in his room after feeling their complaints were ignored.
Five days after installing the camera they were shocked to find it had captured Mr Ramos allegedly abusing the defenceless patient.
Footage captured at 8.06am on January 22, 2018, shows Mr Ramos grabbing Mr Aivaliotis by the throat before moving him on to a bed.
At 8.10am, the footage shows the nurse standing over Mr Aivaliotis as he attempts to clean him.
Mr Aivaliotis was unable to communicate any concerns at the time.
After the Herald Sun first revealed the case Mr Ramos was immediately suspended while the hospital launched a full investigation.
Mr Ramos was subsequently charged with two counts of unlawful assault.
He no longer works at the hospital.
His lawyer Jacob Kantor said today Mr Ramos was desperate to avoid a conviction over the alleged assaults.
He asked magistrate Charles Tan for an indication of the sentence his client would likely receive if he pleaded guilty.
But he confirmed Mr Ramos would fight the charges after Mr Tan flagged a term of imprisonment.
Mr Kantor said Mr Ramos denied intentionally hurting Mr Aivaliotis.
He said footage appearing to show him grab him by the throat was a reflex action to stop him falling off a chair.
He said other footage was not clear enough to prove any wrongdoing.
Outside court Mr Aivaliotis’ sister Zoe said her brother was now out of hospital and was making a good recovery.
A report ordered following the incident made 26 recommendations, with Alfred Health promising to implement them by the end of the year.
Mr Ramos will return to court in October.