WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A man accused of a vicious attack on a nurse appeared in court for the first time, as the hospital’s CEO addressed the incident in a letter to staff. Stephen Scantlebury, 33, faces charges of second-degree murder with a hate crime enhancement and is being held without bond. He has been ordered to surrender his travel documents by the end of the week.
Scantlebury allegedly assaulted nurse Leelamma Lal, 67, at HCA Palms West Hospital, leaving her with serious injuries. Lal, known as Leela, suffered fractures to every bone in her face and a brain bleed. In court, Lal’s family expressed concerns about the safety of healthcare workers, highlighting the need for protections to prevent such incidents from happening again.
The family’s civil attorney criticized the hospital’s handling of Scantlebury, questioning the lack of proper supervision and security measures in place. Palms West Hospital CEO Dr. Jason Kimbrell defended the institution’s actions in a letter to employees, stating that all procedures were followed. He expressed support for Lal and her family during her recovery.
Kimbrell emphasized the hospital’s zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence and encouraged employees to advocate for the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act. While security measures are being reinforced, Kimbrell acknowledged the need for further action to ensure the safety of healthcare workers. He urged staff to reach out to federal lawmakers to push for the quick enactment of the SAVE Act to protect healthcare workers nationwide.
The incident has sparked conversations about the importance of workplace safety in healthcare settings, with many calling for improved security measures and support for those on the front lines of patient care. As investigations continue into the attack, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice for Lal and advocating for the well-being of all healthcare workers.