Two nurses sustained serious injuries following a vicious attack at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry during the early hours of Saturday morning.
A 57-year-old man has been arrested following the incident at approximately 5.40am this morning.
A nurse suffered a cut to her neck/chin area and a health care assistant sustained a puncture wound to his side.
The injuries are not believed to be life threatening.
The man remains in custody at this time.
Speaking following the assault, Newry/Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins, said: “I am extremely shocked to hear that two members of staff had sustained injuries following an assault in Daisy Hill Hospital this morning.
“Thankfully neither have life-threatening injuries however this has been a very traumatic experience for both individuals, and I sincerely hope they make a full and speedy recovery.
“PSNI have confirmed that one male has been arrested and the two members of staff have received medical treatment.
“No-one should be at risk of attack in their place of work, least of all those who are on the front line in our health service, working extremely hard to protect the lives of others every single day, and it is essential that the Southern Trust review this incident, and take appropriate steps to ensure something ike this does not reoccur.
“I want to thank all of our frontline staff for their continued efforts both during covid and in normal circumstances to look after the health and wellbeing of everyone in our community. This incident will undoubtedly have had a serious impact on those involved and on their colleagues who may have witnessed the disturbing events this morning.
“We will continue to engage with the Southern Trust and the PSNI as further detail emerges.”
Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady said there can be zero tolerance of attacks on health workers.
“News that workers at the A&E department at Daisy Hill Hospital have been injured in an incident at work is deeply concerning,” said Mr Brady.
“These workers go above and beyond every day to keep people safe and literally save lives.
“They should not be subjected to any form of attack or threat while going about their essential work.
“There must be zero tolerance of any attacks on health care workers.”
Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin stated: “This is a shocking incident and my thoughts are with the two medical staff who have been injured as a result of this attack.”
He added: “For medical staff to be injured when doing their job, tending to patients and administering care, is a total scandal and beyond reprehensible.
“Hospitals should not be a place of any violence let alone violence against the very people who are treating the ill. It is vital that this incident is fully investigated and a firm message sent out that such violence will not be tolerated.”
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