Knife-wielding intruder attacks nurse

A male nurse was treated in hospital today after he was attacked by an intruder armed with a knife and needle at a psychiatric hospital in Co Laois.

The 30-year-old nurse suffered cuts to his arms and chest and was stabbed with the needle when his attacker broke into St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise, in search of drugs.

The married father-of-two was also kicked and knocked to the ground.

He was treated for his injuries in Tullamore General Hospital overnight and again this morning.

Des Kavanagh, General Secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association, said the nurse was lucky to be alive.

“He is extremely traumatised. He and his wife are being supported by his colleagues, nurse management and the union,” Mr Kavanagh said.

Mr Kavanagh said the task force set up by previous Health Minister Micháel Martin recommended the provision of a compensation scheme for nurses assaulted at work in 2003.

He said Mr Martin committed to implementing the scheme within an agreed time frame, but despite the best efforts of the union, it has not been implemented.

“Coincidentally the PNA is meeting the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney today at 5pm in Leinster House in our continuing efforts to achieve implementation of the scheme,” Mr Kavanagh added.