The woman being transported to hospital.
Principal Nursing Officer of the Dennery Hospital Kerthney Charlemagne Surje has called on the Ministry of Health to provide security for the hospital, based on a violent incident that occurred there today.
A male resident of Grand Ravine, Dennery was attacked with a cutlass by a female relative at about 8:30 a.m. today (Feb.6), who wounded her in return, during a domestic dispute.
Reports are that relatives contacted the police who took both individuals to the Dennery Hospital for treatment. But, while awaiting treatment, another altercation ensued between the two.
The man allegedly used sticks to inflict serious injuries to the woman’s head. She was taken to Victoria Hospital for further treatment, while he remained at the Dennery Hospital.
Reports are that the woman was injured in the presence of many patients and medical personnel. The police are being blamed for allowing the incident to occur, since they were allegedly not around when it happened.
Nurse Surje said: “We have been advocating for security for some time now, because we also care for persons from the Bordelais Correctional Facility.”
She continued, “Most time we find that victims come here to finish the disputes they have started and we have been asking for security, because we operate an Emergency Care Department.”
The principal nurse said the nurses were shaken up by the incident. However, a mental health nurse is currently debriefing those who had direct contact with the patient.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Cointha Thomas has denounced the act, stating that the ministry will not allow it to continue.
Thomas said, “The ministry will continue to do all in its in power to make it safe for all staff to deliver health care.” She did not state definitively whether the hospital will get security soon.