Nurse spared further action for kicking mental health patient who hit him

A Cairns nurse who kicked a mental health patient “reflexively” after he himself was hit in the face by him has had sanctions against him lifted.

A Cairns Hospital nurse who, after being struck by a mental health patient, kicked him ‘reflexively’ several years ago has had sanctions lifted against his registration by a tribunal.

A nurse who “reflexively” kicked out at a mental health patient being restrained, after the patient hit him in the face, has had sanctions lifted on his registration after a tribunal ruled he had “suffered enough.”

Cairns Hospital nurse, David Alexander Crossfield, 60, was suspended briefly after the incident in August 2023 between himself and a patient with psychotic symptoms; he resigned from his position soon after, saying he felt “unsafe and uncomfortable”.

Mr Crossfield’s registration was suspended, then had conditions placed upon it, following a complaint to the Office of the Health Ombudsman in late 2023.

The restrictions on Mr Crossfield’s registration were reviewed last week in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Mr Crossfield, now 60, had worked as a nurse for more than 10 years when he was involved in the incident with a 23-year-old man, who came to Cairns hospital exhibiting ‘psychotic symptoms’.

The man was making threats to harm himself and others, the court was told, and he tried to grab Mr Crossfield’s security pass.

Mr Crossfield suffered swelling and a cut lip after he was struck by the patient.

Nurse David Crossfield was assisting with a 23-year-old patient exhibiting psychotic symptoms when the incident occured in 2023.

“The (patient) had a history of drug induced psychosis, polysubstance abuse and anti-social personality traits … and an extensive history of contact with the mental health services from 2012,” the tribunal decision reads.

The tribunal was told Mr Crossfield kicked the patient on the thigh during the restraint, an action he later described as “reflexive” and “totally uncharacteristic”.

“(Mr Crossfield) was absolutely remorseful and regretted his conduct … he detailed significant rehabilitation … including counselling, completion of anger management course, training in de-escalation techniques and talking to his general practitioner about ways to minimise his stress,” the decision reads.

The tribunal ruled Mr Crossfield should be reprimanded for professional misconduct, but ordered that action against his registration be set aside.

“He has, I think, suffered enough and I agree that, other than a finding of professional misconduct and a reprimand, no other sanction is necessary.”

“It is important to note that (Mr Crossfield) has suffered significant detriment as a result of his conduct, which was itself inappropriate but reflects human failings which might not be uncommon.

“It is also noted he has changed the nature his employment to what appears to be a significantly less stressful role.”

Originally published as Nurse spared further action for kicking mental health patient who hit him