A Florida-based nurse is likely to lose her sight permanently following an unprovoked assault by a patient. The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office reported that the patient, 33-year-old Stephen Eric Scantlebury, was undergoing treatment at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital under the Baker Act, a law that permits involuntary detention and examination of individuals for mental health concerns.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday when the nurse entered Scantlebury’s room on the third floor of the hospital. Witnesses reported that Scantlebury unexpectedly leaped onto his bed and then attacked the nurse. According to the arrest affidavit, Scantlebury stood over the nurse and repeatedly punched her in the face. Upon hearing a witness’s cry for him to stop, he fled the room, ran down the hallway, and escaped from the hospital via the stairwell.
Scantlebury, who was shirtless and still had EKG monitor patches on, was seen running across the hospital parking lot and into the traffic on Southern Boulevard. Local TV stations aired footage of deputies aiming what seemed to be Tasers or stun guns at Scantlebury and ordering him to lie down in the middle of the road. He complied and was subsequently taken into custody.
The nurse was airlifted to another hospital, where she was reported to be in critical condition. Medical professionals stated that virtually every bone in her face was broken and she is likely to lose her sight in both eyes.
Police reports indicate that Scantlebury had been exhibiting paranoid behavior in the days leading up to the attack, blaming others for events they were not involved in. This behavior led to his detention under the Baker Act.
In a statement, HCA Florida Healthcare expressed their concern for their colleague and extended support to the hospital staff who were understandably shaken by the incident. The attack, they said, occurred in a matter of seconds.
Willa Fuller, the executive director of the Florida Nurses Association, voiced her concern about the safety of nurses nationwide in light of such attacks. She called for comprehensive action from all stakeholders to prevent such violent incidents and suggested including direct care nurses in initiatives aimed at combating violence against healthcare workers.
Scantlebury is currently facing charges of attempted murder and is receiving treatment at a hospital. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.