Patients under the influence assaulting Cork hospital staff ‘held responsible’

Cork University Hospital (CUH) saw the most injuries of staff by patients of any hospital in the county, data provided by the HSE shows.

Professor Conor Deasy, the clinical director of emergency and acute care at CUH, said: “Cork University Hospital emergency department is the busiest in the country, and we ensure we report these events to learn from them ways we can protect our patients and staff.

“It’s important to understand that not all these injuries are caused by deliberate assaults, some can be due to medical reasons — such as people who have delirium, who don’t realise they are hitting out at medical staff. Causes of delirium can include infection, but also detoxification from alcohol and drugs.

“There are patients who come in under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and assault healthcare professionals. These people are held responsible for their actions and reported to An Garda Síochána.”

According to data provided to The Echo by the HSE through the Freedom of Information Act, a total of 510 hospital staff were injured by patients in Cork hospitals between 2020 and summer 2024.

Of these, 336 occurred in the CUH, with a further 129 in Mercy University Hospital.

There were 44 injuries in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, with the HSE explaining: “The South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital is a voluntary hospital, and does not have an emergency department.

“All admissions are planned, booked admissions with also a number of outpatient clinics.”

Mr Deasy said that when an injury occurs, “it is a serious issue”.

“The nurse or doctor reports the event to their line manager and, if their injuries are significant, is registered to be seen as a patient,” he said. “When somebody is at risk of being aggressive, the emergency department will risk-assess the patient and attempt de-escalation through talking with the patient.”