Crime & Safety
Patient Attacks Nurse At Western State: Report
The 63-year-old nurse was choked and had half of her ear bitten off, according to reports.
LAKEWOOD, WA - A Western State Hospital nurse was injured over the weekend when she was attacked by a patient. The patient reportedly bit part of the nurse's ear off and choked her, according to the Associated Press.
The attack was the sixth by the 29-year-old patient, according to the AP.
The incident comes at a low point for the hospital, and just as a new CEO takes over. The hospital lost millions in federal funds over the summer after failing to meet federal guidelines. David L. Holt, formerly the Western State Hospital chief operating officer, was named CEO at the end of August.
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Gov. Jay Inslee wants to reduce the patient population at Western State by placing low-risk offenders in programs closer to where they live. Inslee in May announced the 5-year plan to wind down civil commitments.
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