A nurse who was attacked and seriously injured by a patient has been awarded €9,000 damages in a claim against the North Eastern Health Board.
The action was taken at Castleblayney Circuit Court by Ms Mary Smith (42), Lattonfaskey, Co Monaghan, as a result of injuries received during an incident at St Davnet's hospital in Monaghan.
She was described as a care worker employed at the psychiatric hospital. Judge Matt Deery was told she was employed in the disability unit of the hospital, where people suffering from psychiatric disorders and known to be aggressive were accommodated.
Ms Smith claimed that as a result of the attack on September 30th, 2001, in which a patient lunged at her in a corridor and caught her by the neck, she sustained a broken ankle and torn ligaments to her foot and neck.
She was also gravely shocked, distressed and upset.
Following the incident, she had to use crutches for several weeks. She experienced difficulty in walking or carrying out normal household duties and her sleep pattern was disturbed. She claimed she was also unable to participate in any recreational activities.
Judge Deery found the North Eastern Health Board negligent in failing to provide adequate protection for Ms Smith. He said it had insufficient directions in place for the protection of staff, in particular female staff. Accordingly, he awarded her €9,000 damages, with costs.