Man Charged with Aggravated Battery After Provident Hospital Attack
Details of the Incident
According to the Chicago Police Department, 36-year-old Nathaniel Price was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and use of a deadly weapon on Tuesday. He was arrested in the 500 block of East 51st Street around 1:15 p.m. on Monday after he was identified as the man who, less than 30 minutes earlier, stabbed and injured a 56-year-old man, then injured a 32-year-old man.
Background of the Incident
On Monday, two emergency department workers at Provident Hospital of Cook County found at 500 East 51st Street were injured by a patient. A hospital spokesperson released a statement saying that the suspect approached a 56-year-old staff member and pulled out a “sharp object” and stabbed the man in the chest area. Another staff member was also injured in the incident. The hospital went on lockdown for several hours before operations returned to normal.
Investigation and Aftermath
The Chicago police said the suspect was arrested after a brief investigation. The hospital staff members were listed in stable condition on Monday, with one being taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Both were later released, according to a statement from Dr. Eric Mikaitis, the CEO of Cook County Health.
Response from Dr. Eric Mikaitis
Dr. Mikaitis expressed gratitude for the swift actions of the hospital staff, saying, “I am grateful to share that the two Provident Hospital team members injured yesterday were treated and released. This situation had the potential to be tragic, and it is thanks to the quick and decisive actions of our staff that further harm was prevented.”
Dr. Mikaitis also emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of hospital staff, patients, and visitors, stating, “The safety and well-being of our staff, patients, and visitors remain our top priority. We are working closely with CPD as they continue their investigation and are reviewing all aspects of this incident to ensure that we continue to provide a secure environment for everyone in our facilities.”
Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns about violence against healthcare professionals and the strain it puts on the healthcare delivery system. Dr. Mikaitis called for recognition of the dedication and commitment of healthcare workers, stating, “Incidents like this are deeply unsettling and are sadly indicative of increasing violence against health care professionals. It is imperative that we recognize the strain this puts on our health care delivery system and the dedicated professionals who have devoted their careers to caring for others.”
FAQs
* What happened at Provident Hospital on Monday?
A patient injured two staff members, a 56-year-old man and a 32-year-old man.
* What was the suspect charged with?
Nathaniel Price was charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery and use of a deadly weapon.
* What was the status of the staff members?
Both staff members were listed in stable condition and were later released.
* What is the hospital’s response to the incident?
The hospital is working closely with the Chicago Police Department to investigate the incident and is reviewing all aspects of the incident to ensure a secure environment for staff, patients, and visitors.
