Hillel Yaffe Hospital Staff Strike After Nurse Attacked by Patient

Outpatient clinics and ambulatory institutes at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera will be shut down on Monday in protest of a violent incident where a 21-year-old patient allegedly threw a bottle at a nurse, striking her in the eye. The nurse, identified as S., recounted the terrifying moments after the attack, stating she "saw black" for minutes and feared she had lost her eye. She described the patient becoming agitated and verbally abusive when she explained a delay in treatment due to a complex emergency case. The patient then allegedly threw the bottle, causing scratches and internal bleeding in her eye, according to an ophthalmologist's examination. The incident has prompted the nurses' union to call for a strike, demanding increased security and better working conditions for medical staff. The union chairman, Shaul Skif, stated a policy of zero tolerance for violence against healthcare workers and called for an internal review of the incident, questioning why a police officer was not present as per agreement and if the attack could have been prevented. He also highlighted the heavy workloads and staff shortages faced by nurses, urging the government to hold emergency discussions to address the crisis and ensure a safe working environment. The hospital administration condemned the "extremely serious incident" and pledged to protect its staff, while the police confirmed the suspect's arrest and subsequent release, emphasizing their commitment to prosecuting those involved in violence against medical teams. The nurse expressed her distress, questioning her own actions and fearing for her safety and ability to return home to her family, noting that such incidents, including verbal abuse, are becoming more frequent.