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Case histories of violence and abuse at public hospitals

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1 A patient's wife refused to leave a ward when visiting hours were over. After shouting foul language, she went to the toilet and emerged holding a sanitary napkin. She walked around the ward, shouting and showing the sanitary napkin to other patients. The hospital later sought police assistance.

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2 A middle-aged mother took her four-year-old daughter to an emergency department. A doctor diagnosed an upper respiratory tract infection and advised the mother to take the girl to an outpatient clinic next time for treatment of minor problems. The mother lost her temper and scolded the doctor. She chased the doctor out of the consultation room and pushed him in the chest.

3 A patient's husband was dissatisfied with arrangements after his wife and their newborn were discharged. He continually used bad language to criticise hospital staff.

4 A drunken man attempted suicide by jumping from his home after having a quarrel with his wife. After he was taken to hospital, he became aggressive and kicked a medical worker in the abdomen. He then jumped from a stretcher, ran out to the lobby and attacked a nurse who ran after him.

5 A confused elderly patient, who was lying on a stretcher trolley, attempted to climb over the side rail of the trolley. A medical worker came to attend to him. The patient suddenly hit her, injuring her on the nose and head.

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6 A nurse was standing at the bedside assessing the condition of a drunken patient. That patient woke up and punched the nurse in the chest.

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