ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — A violent incident at Palms West Hospital on Tuesday afternoon left a nurse critically injured after she was assaulted by a patient within the hospital premises. Authorities responded swiftly, arresting 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury along Southern Boulevard shortly after the attack. He faces charges of attempted murder related to the incident.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has yet to disclose extensive details of the assault; however, hospital sources reveal that the attack occurred rapidly and was witnessed by several staff members and visitors who intervened to assist the victim. The injured nurse is currently receiving medical care at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
The attack has drawn criticism from healthcare professionals concerning the safety of medical personnel. Willa Fuller, the executive director of the Florida Nurses Association, expressed her dismay, emphasizing that medical staff should never be considered targets for aggression. “The reality is that our nurses often face threats while simply trying to perform their duties,” Fuller noted.
Violence against nurses, according to Fuller, is alarmingly common and not isolated to Palms West Hospital. She pointed out that the majority of nurses experience some form of violence during their careers, which adds significant stress to their already challenging responsibilities. Earlier this year, in response to growing concerns about assaults on healthcare workers, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation elevating penalties for such attacks, though they remain classified as first-degree misdemeanors.
Fuller advocated for further measures to protect nurses, including enhanced security protocols and additional preventative strategies. “It’s not just about responding to incidents; it’s about creating environments where such incidents are much less likely to occur,” she argued.
Palms West Hospital, in a statement, expressed their deep concern for the wellbeing of the nurse and solidarity with the entire hospital staff, shaken by the brazen attack. “Our primary concern is with our beloved colleague, and we are praying for her recovery. We are also providing support to our hospital staff who are understandably shaken by this incident,” the hospital stated, thanking the sheriff’s office for their prompt response and ongoing support during the investigation.
This incident underscores a critical need for a reassessment of safety measures in hospitals, ensuring that those dedicated to caring for others are themselves protected. As the community and healthcare professionals rally for a swift recovery of the nurse and call for strengthened safeguards, the issue of violence within healthcare settings remains a significant concern that demands continued attention and action.