Psychiatrist Attacked in Beit She'an Clinic; Medical Association Threatens Health System Strike

By מאיה צוק

Translated & summarized from Davar by baba

LeftCharged tone

Hebrew · 5 newsrooms covering

A patient attacked and injured a psychiatrist at a mental health clinic in Beit She'an on Wednesday, prompting the Medical Association to threaten a strike. The psychiatrist activated a distress button and was taken to the hospital, while the attacker was arrested. The Medical Association chairman called for enhanced security in mental health facilities, and Clalit Health Services condemned the violence.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

A patient attacked and injured a psychiatrist at a mental health clinic in Beit She'an.
The Medical Association is threatening to strike the entire health system over the incident.
The psychiatrist activated a distress button and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The attacker, described as mentally disturbed, was arrested by police.
The Medical Association chairman called for increased security in mental health facilities.

Psychiatrist Attacked in Beit She'an Clinic; Medical Association Threatens Health System Strike — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

A patient attacked a psychiatrist on Wednesday morning at a mental health clinic in Beit She'an, operated by Clalit Health Services. The patient reportedly attempted to strangle the psychiatrist and injured him. The psychiatrist managed to activate a distress button, prompting staff to rush into the room and subdue the assailant. The psychiatrist was evacuated to the hospital, and the attacker, described by police as mentally disturbed, was arrested. Eyewitnesses reported the psychiatrist was attacked with a pipe wrench.

Zion Hagai, Chairman of the Medical Association, expressed shock over the incident, noting the absence of a security guard at the clinic. He praised the clinic staff for their bravery in preventing a more severe outcome. Hagai stated that the Medical Association would not hesitate to strike the entire health system again if necessary, and that planned steps would be announced soon.

Hagai also highlighted that the Medical Association's efforts had led to the establishment of police posts in all hospitals and increased security. He urged the Ministries of Health and National Security to extend this protection to all psychiatric departments and community mental health clinics, emphasizing the need to ensure the personal safety of medical teams dealing with patients in extreme states.

Clalit Health Services condemned the violence, stating zero tolerance for attacks on medical staff. The organization detailed existing security measures, including distress buttons, security officers, and patrols, to ensure staff safety.