Patient unleashes drunken abuse at hospital staff

A SAMPLE of what hospital emergency staff are expected to put up with when confronted by drugged-up or drunken patients has been played out before court.

A SAMPLE of what hospital emergency staff are expected to put up with when confronted by drugged-up or drunken patients has been played out before a Toowoomba court.

A drunken Shane Robert Facer had attended Toowoomba Hospital's accident and emergency department seeking treatment after experiencing chest pain.

Obviously drunk and agitated, the 51-year-old started arguing with another man at the front of the unit when told to sit down, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

Ushered outside, he turned on hospital medical and support staff, abusing them, police prosecutor Sergeant Mike Robinson told the court.

When it appeared Facer was getting louder and had then tried to grab a woman by the arm as she sat on a bench outside the unit, police were called, Sgt Robinson said.

A sample taken from Facer at the hospital showed he had a blood/alcohol level at the time of 0.306, the court heard.

He pleaded guilty to one count of committing a public nuisance arising from the incident.

His lawyer Kevin Rose told the court his client had an alcohol problem and was quite ashamed of his behaviour that night at the hospital.

Mr Rose said his client, through him, publicly apologised to the hospital staff and was concerned for his actions.

Magistrate Graham Lee noted Facer had previous alcohol-fuelled offences on his history.

Mr Lee convicted and fined him $400.

Originally published as Patient unleashes drunken abuse at hospital staff