Patient attacks doctor at Athens hospital; security guards reportedly did not intervene

A patient violently assaulted a resident doctor in the emergency department of Athens' Red Cross Hospital early Saturday morning. The incident escalated when the patient, waiting on a gurney, was asked to be patient as individuals with more critical conditions were being prioritized. According to the president of the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDHIN), Michalis Giannakos, the situation quickly spiraled out of control.

The patient reportedly got off the gurney, grabbed the doctor by her hair, punched her, and slammed her head against a door. The doctor managed to momentarily break free, but the patient pursued her and attacked again, causing her to hit another door. POEDHIN stated the doctor was fortunate not to sustain more severe injuries, suffering blows and trauma to the head and remaining in shock.

Alarmingly, the report indicates that two security guards were present but did not intervene, despite calls for help. Their protocol reportedly prohibits physical contact with patients. This lack of intervention has prompted POEDHIN's president to question the effectiveness of hospital security measures when staff are attacked and security personnel are unable to act.

"At the Red Cross Hospital this morning, a resident doctor was beaten up in the ER. I spoke with her. She told me the patient tried to kill her twice. She's alive by luck," Giannakos stated, emphasizing the guards' inaction due to policy. "How are they protecting us like this?"

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The patient tried to kill her twice. She's alive by luck. The guards were present, without helping because physical contact with a patient is forbidden. How are they protecting us like this?