Patient Attacks Psychiatrist at Be'er Sheva Mental Health Clinic
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
A patient attacked and stabbed a psychiatrist with a wrench at a Clalit mental health clinic in Be'er Sheva on Wednesday, also attempting to strangle him. Staff intervened, saving the doctor, who was treated and released from the hospital. Clinic staff are suspending work until a security guard is hired, citing safety concerns. Police have arrested the suspect, who is described as having a psychological disorder.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A patient attacked a psychiatrist with a wrench at a Be'er Sheva mental health clinic on Wednesday.
- The psychiatrist sustained multiple stab wounds to the head and was treated and released from the hospital.
- Clinic staff intervened to stop the attack, preventing further harm.
- The clinic's staff are suspending work until a security guard is hired due to safety concerns.
- Police have arrested the suspect, who is described as having a psychological disorder.
A serious violent incident occurred Wednesday morning at a mental health clinic in Be'er Sheva, operated by the Clalit health fund. A patient attacked a psychiatrist in his office, stabbing him multiple times in the head with a wrench and attempting to strangle him. The attack was thwarted by other staff members who intervened, preventing further harm. One witness described the scene as "horrifying."
The injured psychiatrist was taken to Ha'emek Hospital in Afula with physical injuries, suspected to be a concussion. Clalit later announced the doctor received treatment in the emergency room and was released, with ongoing support provided by medical staff.
The clinic serves over a thousand patients with approximately 15 staff members, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and administrative personnel. Despite the nature of the work and its associated risks, the clinic does not have a security guard. In response to the attack, staff announced they would suspend work until a security guard is provided, citing threats to their safety.
Staff members reported that the clinic's emergency button is used at least once a month, and while shouting and physical altercations have occurred previously, an attack of this magnitude is unprecedented. They also noted that a single psychiatrist handles patients, facing significant workload and waiting lists of up to six months, leading to patient frustration. Staff emphasized the necessity of security measures for safe operation.
Clalit strongly condemned the violence against medical staff, stating a zero-tolerance policy for assaults on healthcare workers and affirming their commitment to staff safety through measures like emergency buttons and security patrols. The health fund confirmed the doctor's release from the hospital and ongoing care. Police announced the arrest of the suspect, described as an individual with a psychological disorder, and have opened an investigation into the incident.
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