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A registered nurse was assaulted by a patient early Nov. 20 while working at Abington Jefferson Hospital, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. in a common hallway on the fourth floor of the hospital’s Widener Building, located at 1200 Old York Road in Abington Township. The nurse was performing her duties when she encountered a male patient, identified as Antonio Santiago, 69, of the 300 block of Newtown Road in Warminster, who was not permitted to leave his room due to his medical condition.
Officials said the nurse attempted to escort Santiago back to his room when, without warning, he punched her on the left side of the face with a closed fist.
Other hospital staff quickly intervened, separating Santiago from the nurse and returning him to his room. The nurse reported soreness and pain in her jaw following the assault.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about workplace safety for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who frequently face dangerous situations while providing patient care. It was not immediately clear whether criminal charges were filed or whether Santiago remained hospitalized following the incident.
Hospital officials have not released additional details, and the investigation remains ongoing.
All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. This story was compiled using public court records.
