Attacks on healthcare workers continue to be a serious problem in Italy, as demonstrated by the latest incident at the hospital in Lamezia Terme. A man, dissatisfied with the decision to discharge a family member from the emergency room, attacked the head physician, hitting him repeatedly with a truncheon. This incident highlights not only the growing violence in hospital environments, but also the need for more stringent measures to protect healthcare workers.
Yesterday evening, the acting head of the emergency room, Rosarino Procopio, was attacked by a 28-year-old from Lamezia Terme, Carlo Sacco. The latter, already known to the police for previous crimes, attacked the doctor because of his intention to discharge the patient from the Short Intensive Observation department.
Authorities had to intervene quickly to prevent the situation from escalating further. Police arrested Sacco on charges of aggravated assault and possession of offensive objects. The head physician was hit several times in the back and arm, but despite the bruises and the shock he suffered, he regularly showed up for work the next day. He expressed his frustration at a situation that seems increasingly unsustainable: “We can no longer work peacefully; we are subjected to constant pressure from both patients and families."
The attack has sparked strong reactions in the political and trade union world. The Provincial Health Authority of Catanzaro has asked for a decisive response from the competent authorities to guarantee the safety of healthcare personnel. The President of the Calabria Region, Roberto Occhiuto, described as “crazy” the fact that someone could bring a truncheon to the hospital. Interior Undersecretary Wanda Ferro praised the police intervention, calling it an important sign of support for healthcare workers. With the increase in assaults in places of care and assistance, it is essential that institutions adopt effective preventive measures to protect healthcare workers. The integration of fixed police posts in hospitals could represent a concrete solution to address this disturbing phenomenon and ensure a safe environment for all.
Assault on the Head of the Emergency Department of Lamezia Terme: The Perpetrator Arrested An episode of violence has shaken the community of Lamezia Terme, after the head of the Emergency Department, Rosarino Procopio, was attacked with a truncheon by a family member of a patient.
Assault on the Chief of the Emergency Department of Lamezia Terme Violence in healthcare settings continues to cause concern. Yesterday evening, the head of the Emergency Department at Lamezia Terme hospital, Rosarino Procopio, was attacked by the family members of a patient who was being discharged from the Short Intensive Observation department.