Nurse Strangled At Tewksbury State Hospital: Report

TEWKSBURY, MA — A nurse at Tewksbury State Hospital was "nearly strangled to death" by a patient Aug. 8, state Rep. Colleen Garry told the Lowell Sun, the Sun reported.

The assault was one of two attacks in under a week, Garry told the newspaper. Garry is calling for an investigation into the facility's management.

>>Read more from the Lowell Sun.

A Department of Public Health spokesperson confirmed to Patch the department is investigating a "patient altercation with a nurse" that happened on Aug. 8, as the Sun had previously reported.

The staff member is "recovering at home" and is in contact with the hospital leadership, while staffing and observation of the patient have increased, the spokesperson said.

The official also confirmed that the department "was notified of a separate incident" involving a patient and two staff members on Aug. 11.

"This incident was resolved quickly and safely," the spokesperson said. "Two employees were involved in the de-escalation."

On Aug. 12, department officials met with the hospital's leadership team to review the hospital's most recent plan to increase safety measures for staff and patients.

"The Tewksbury Hospital leadership team continues to meet daily to evaluate the plan to ensure the safety of employees and patients on units with challenging behaviors," according to the spokesperson.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or [email protected].