LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — Following a violent assault on a nurse by a patient at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital in late February, the hospital has implemented increased security measures. One of the initial steps taken to enhance safety includes the introduction of a dedicated workspace for law enforcement officers in the emergency room.
Despite these efforts, law enforcement officials have expressed concerns that the current measures may not be sufficient to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw highlighted that the decision does not involve having a full-time deputy stationed in the emergency room, which could potentially limit the effectiveness of security protocols.
Bradshaw emphasized the importance of more robust security improvements, suggesting that contracting with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for dedicated deputies, as seen in other hospitals in the area, would be a more comprehensive approach. Plans are reportedly underway for HCA Florida Palms West Hospital to partner with PBSO for dedicated security officers in the near future.
The increased focus on security measures comes in response to the brutal assault on a 67-year-old nurse, Leelamma Lal, by a 33-year-old patient named Stephen Scantlebury. Lal suffered severe injuries, including multiple facial fractures that put her at risk of losing sight in both eyes, requiring her to be airlifted to another hospital for specialized care.
Moreover, the incident has prompted questions about hospital staff training requirements under the Baker Act, a law allowing for the involuntary commitment of individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. Scantlebury had been admitted to Palms West under the Baker Act and was held temporarily due to a lack of space at a designated facility, raising concerns about the training and preparedness of medical staff in handling psychiatric patients.
Typically, medical personnel at Baker Act-receiving facilities undergo specialized training to manage psychiatric patient care, while nurses in other areas like the emergency room at Palms West receive psychiatric training as part of a broader online module that covers various aspects of patient care. This difference in training protocols has sparked discussions about the need for more comprehensive training for healthcare workers to handle similar situations effectively.