Man charged for assault at Eagle Ridge Hospital which left nurse with serious injuries
A man has been charged with assaulting a nurse at Port Moody’s Eagle Ridge Hospital.
The Crown approved a charge of assault causing bodily harm against 41-year-old Shawn Bradley Forsythe, Port Moody Police (PMP) announced on Dec. 30.
“The assault was quite serious and significant in its nature,” said Const. Sam Zacharias, media officer with the PMP. “It’s certainly concerning for the community and for our staff at the hospital here, who try to keep us healthy and safe.”
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Forsythe was reportedly being discharged from the hospital on Nov. 20, and became agitated prior to the alleged assault.
The female nurse received significant injuries to her head, and has still not returned to work as a result of the incident, Zacharias said. He noted the serious classification of assault causing bodily harm, which can lead to charges of up 10 years for a conviction.
Forsythe has no fixed address, and a criminal record dating back over 10 years, including prior charges for assault causing bodily harm, assault, and robbery.
He is expected to appear in court in Port Coquitlam on Feb. 10.
Zacharias said officers often attend Eagle Ridge Hospital to assist staff deal with patients, but they usually can intervene before behaviour escalates.
In recent years the BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) has been sounding the alarm over the increasing amount of violence experienced by frontline nurses, advocating for 24-hour security at all hospitals.
More than 26 nurses a month suffer a violent injury at work, according to the BCNU website, adding that 70 percent of incidents go unreported in the industry.
The BCNU states that nurses are more likely than law enforcement and security workers to submit a violent injury claim.
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