Nurse stabbed by patient at Heywood Hospital: What we know so far
Police continued to investigate after an employee was attacked and injured at Heywood Hospital Monday night.
According to police, they responded to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon at the hospital at around 8 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered that a nurse had been stabbed by a patient. The victim, whose identity was not released, was taken to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester and treated for a laceration. The victim’s condition was unknown.
The suspect was identified as David Nichols, 76, of Greenville, New Hampshire. He was arrested at the hospital and charged with assault and battery with a deadly weapon and attempting to commit a crime (murder), according to police.
Officials did not release a motive for the attack.
Nichols was held on $10,000 cash bail and was scheduled to appear in Gardner District Court on Tuesday.
Roz Penney, CEO of Heywood Healthcare, said the safety of staff and patients was the hospital's utmost priority, and that Heywood officials were partnering with local law enforcement to enhance physical security in the Emergency Department.
"Violence against caregivers is not acceptable," Penney said. "In addition to the adoption of a zero-tolerance policy, expanded screening protocols are being assessed to ensure the safety of our caregivers and patients."
Penney praised Heywood's staff for their response to the incident.
"Last night they demonstrated teamwork, compassion, cohesiveness, and dedication to each other and to our community," she said. "Our primary responsibility as leaders is to take care of our staff, and we do not take this responsibility lightly."
On their Facebook page, the Hubbardston Professional Firefighters Local 4957 said their thoughts were with their brothers and sisters who work in the Heywood Hospital Emergency Room.
"We hope for a speedy recovery for the nurse," the post read. "Violence against caregivers is a widespread problem and should not be tolerated in any circumstance."
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Heywood Hospital in Gardner, Massachusetts: Nurse stabbed by patient
