ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. — A critical incident occurred at Palms West Hospital on Tuesday when a nurse was severely injured in a sudden attack within the facility’s premises. Authorities responded promptly, arresting 33-year-old Stephen Scantlebury in connection with the assault. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office apprehended him along Southern Boulevard soon after the incident unfolded.
Scantlebury faces charges of attempted murder as the nurse, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains under intensive care at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Details of the assault remain sparse, but according to hospital statements, the attack was swift and occurred in front of several eyewitnesses who intervened.
In light of the attack, the conversation around nurses’ safety has intensified. Willa Fuller, executive director of the Florida Nurses Association, voiced her concerns, highlighting the frequent underestimation of violence against healthcare workers. “Nurses are caring professionals, not targets. It is never acceptable to view or treat them as victims of abuse,” Fuller stated.
While she was not directly familiar with the specific details of the Palms West attack, Fuller acknowledged that such violent encounters are not rare in the healthcare setting. She pointed out that many nurses face some form of violence at least once during their careers, with many experiencing it more frequently.
The severity of assaults can vary, but even less grave incidents can significantly burden a nurse both mentally and physically, complicating their already demanding roles. This year, Florida’s government, led by Governor Ron DeSantis, has passed legislation to increase penalties for assaults on nurses. However, the new law categorizes these offenses as first-degree misdemeanors—a classification that Fuller believes should be revisited. “We need stronger safeguards, additional preventive measures, and more robust security protocols in place,” Fuller argued.
Palms West Hospital has expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of their employee and is actively supporting their staff shaken by the event. Their official statement confirmed the quick response of the hospital community and law enforcement at the scene. “We are praying for the full recovery of our beloved colleague and providing necessary support to all staff during this challenging time,” the hospital said.
As investigations continue, there is a renewed call for strategies to protect nurses and healthcare workers, emphasizing the importance of safety in these essential community environments. The incident at Palms West serves as a grave reminder of the risks faced by healthcare professionals daily and the ongoing need for heightened security measures in hospitals across the nation.