A female paramedic was seriously assaulted at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry on Saturday at approximately 17:45 GMT. Police have identified a suspect in connection with the incident.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) reported that the paramedic sustained injuries to the back of her head, neck, face, and hands. She is also believed to have suffered concussion.
The NIAS stated the incident occurred after they received a call to provide medical assistance to a male patient being transported to the hospital. Upon arrival, while being transferred from a stretcher, the patient reportedly punched the paramedic, knocking her down. The NIAS added that the attack lasted a number of minutes.
Jenny Keane, chief executive of the NIAS, expressed her outrage at the assault, noting the paramedic has over 37 years of service. SDLP Foyle assembly member Sinéad McLaughlin and Sinn Féin assembly member Philip McGuigan both condemned the attack, calling for zero tolerance of abuse against healthcare workers.