NCRHA investigates assault on doctor

The North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) says it is currently investigating an incident that occurred at the Arouca Health Centre on Monday, where a doctor was allegedly assaulted by an irate patient.

According to a statement from the NCRHA, initial reports indicated that the doctor was on duty at the Arouca Health Centre providing care to a patient affected by acute conjunctivitis (red eye) when at about 6.30 pm a female patient from the public waiting area, barged into the consultation room and assaulted the doctor with an umbrella and her fists.

The statement said the doctor made a hasty retreat and the patient was quickly constrained by the security personnel assigned to the facility.

“So far the Authority has not been able to determine a motive for the actions by the patient,” the statement said.

A report was made to the Arouca Police Station by the doctor affected and police officers are investigating the incident.

Statements have been taken from patients who were present during the incident as well as other medical staff who were on duty at the time.

“The NCRHA would like to compliment the security team for their quick response to prevent serious injury from occurring to our valued staff. At no point did the physician or any other staff retaliate to the patient physically or otherwise,” the statement added.