Hospital prosecution serves as call to action

April 17th 2006

A Midlands hospital has been prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act for a violent attack on staff.

The George Eliot hospital in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK was charged with failing to undergo appropriate risk assessment that may have avoided the attack, which took place on 7 November 2004.

After a full investigation, the hospital was told at Nuneaton Magistrates’ Court on Monday (10 April), that it must pay a 10,000 UK pound fine as well as costs of 3,500 UK pounds.

The incident took place when a patient became aggressive and shut himself in a room with another patient. He then threatened members of staff with a chair, broke a window, jumped out and ran away.

In 2001, the hospital was served an improvement notice related to violence and aggression, which was complied with, but a number of similar failings were identified during a routine audit in 2005.

Following the prosecution, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has again warned hospitals to be vigilant about protecting staff and patients by undertaking adequate risk assessments.

Angela Eley of the HSE commented: "This case demonstrates the importance of proper assessments of risks from patients presenting at hospitals, and the need to implement precautions such as adequate individual assessments and emergency procedures to prevent the escalation of a situation whereby it may cause injury to members of staff or other patients."

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