National

Tasmanian doctor critically wounded, youth in custody

By AAP Newswire

Apr 10, 2023

The North West Regional Hospital ED entrance (file image) — Doctors have called for emergency department safety to be reviewed after one of them was stabbed. -AAP Image

A medical professional critically wounded at a regional Tasmanian hospital is a doctor.

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Australian Medical Association Tasmania president John Saul confirmed that a doctor had been stabbed at North West Regional Hospital in Cooee, on the state's northwest coast on Sunday night.

In a statement on Monday, Dr Saul said emergency department staff are well aware of the possibility of experiencing violence while at work, but it was still shocking when it happens.

"While we do not know the details surrounding this event, we know hospitals are dealing with people who are experiencing trauma, mental health episodes or drug psychosis and may react in unpredictable ways," Dr Saul said.

But he called on the Tasmanian Health Service to urgently review safety protocols and measures to look for ways to improve safety for patients and staff in emergency departments.

The victim was airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.

Police said youth was arrested soon after the isolated incident, with no threat to the wider community.

It is unclear whether the youth has yet been charged.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press