Hospitals are a sanctuary for safety and treatment.

However, a harrowing incident has raised serious concerns about hospital security.

An attack that left a senior man in intensive care sparked a conversation about the measures in place to protect our most vulnerable citizens.

Victor Watson spoke about a brutal assault which occurred within the hospital's vicinity.

The 91-year-old was visiting his wife at Adelaide's Modbury Hospital with his son-in-law when the alleged assault occurred.

'I was off balance, and I fell, and that's where I hit my head. And then I woke up for a few seconds, and I was just blacked out,' he recounted.

Victor Watson's family were warned about his possible death, as he sustained severe injuries during the attack. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Sirikarn Rinruesee

'I looked, and this bloke was attacking him, and I went out to try and help him,' he added.

The attack was so severe that his family prepared for the worst.

However, Watson's fighting spirit saw him through and eventually recovered after a three-week stay in intensive care.

The alleged attacker and Modbury Hospital's former patient, Kym Bicknell, has been charged with two counts of robbery and two counts of assault causing harm, theft, and assault.

After the attack, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation South Australia called for increased security measures to ensure the safety of hospital workers and patients.

'Anyone who's working after hours will be guaranteed a car park onsite,' stated Elizabeth Dabars, the branch's Chief Executive.

The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network has responded through additional security assistance, including escorts to accompany health workers to their designated car park slots between 5 pm and 10 pm.

While these measures are commendable, Watson expressed that such precautions should have been placed earlier.

'There should be someone closer to the door, definitely. Even one or two security to prevent anything like that happening again,' Watson said.

The incident left physical scars for Watson but also highlighted the vulnerability of seniors in public spaces.

The safety of all seniors is paramount.

We encourage everyone to be vigilant and to advocate for better security measures in their communities.

Key Takeaways

• Adelaide local Victor Watson and his son-in-law were assaulted outside Modbury Hospital after a visit.
• Watson was severely hurt but survived after being under intensive care for three weeks.
• Health workers called for increased security measures at hospitals. The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network offered security escorts between 5 pm to 10 pm.
• The alleged attacker, Kym Bicknell, has been charged with robbery, assault causing harm, theft, and another count of assault.

Have you experienced similar concerns about safety in public spaces? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Col@45]

Seems we're not safe anywhere these days, it's a sad day when seniors are getting attacked in hospitals, shopping centres and their homes.
This is not like Australia anymore, we're getting more like USA.
You wonder what makes these attackers so violent and seems that young people are growing up with violence everywhere and are immune to any sort of violent behaviour.

 

[DLHM]

Seems we're not safe anywhere these days, it's a sad day when seniors are getting attacked in hospitals, shopping centres and their homes.
This is not like Australia anymore, we're getting more like USA.
You wonder what makes these attackers so violent and seems that young people are growing up with violence everywhere and are immune to any sort of violent behaviour.

“…it's a sad day when seniors are getting attacked in hospitals, shopping centres and their homes.”

It’s a sad day whatever the age of victims. Attackers are not necessarily young people either.

 

[Kaylee]

I got attacked at work while working alone by a young girl in a group of others. They are trying to show how tough they are to their mates. Nothing was done to her even though the police know her

 

[I'm Mal]

This guy has put himself in harm's way. When he goes to prison, the inmates there will mete out their own form of justice. A young man beating up an old man does not go down well in the prison community.

 

[Testy]

When I was nursing we always had staff walk together to get in their cars to go home, but the perpetrators just get a slap on the wrist, our penalties are not harsh enough

 

[Ebby]

Years ago my daughter a nurse had just finished work in the early hours of the morning in Horsnby NSW.She was followed by some guys in a car.She was terrified and ran up to someones house and banged on the door lucky they answered. She was so scared she couldn't speak.Reminiscent of nurse Anita Cobby about the same time but in Blacktown.What that poor girl went through by that gang of guys was horrific and brings me to tears just thinking about it.

 

[DLHM]

Years ago my daughter a nurse had just finished work in the early hours of the morning in Horsnby NSW.She was followed by some guys in a car.She was terrified and ran up to someones house and banged on the door lucky they answered. She was so scared she couldn't speak.Reminiscent of nurse Anita Cobby about the same time but in Blacktown.What that poor girl went through by that gang of guys was horrific and brings me to tears just thinking about it.

I don’t think any of us who are old enough to remember the disgusting way Anita Cobby came to her end could ever forget, even after all these years. Despicable! Doesn’t diminish the horror she went through.

 

[relljube]

Fed up with all these stories of violence etc. Time to lobby your local MP both state & federal to try and push for reforms. Enough is enough. It is time we seriously looked at having security staff kitted out with tasers or similar.

 

[marni]

This guy has put himself in harm's way. When he goes to prison, the inmates there will mete out their own form of justice. A young man beating up an old man does not go down well in the prison community.

He will get off on mental health

 

[relljube]

He will get off on mental health

Yes unfortunately the mental institutions have all but gone with minimal space allocated in public hospitals. The people that should be taken off the streets are left to roam free as there is insufficient room in the hospital wards. "The inmates are running the asylums" was a catch cry in the past, but these days I think this should read - "The loonies are running the country, states and courts"

 

[marni]

I don’t think any of us who are old enough to remember the disgusting way Anita Cobby came to her end could ever forget, even after all these years. Despicable! Doesn’t diminish the horror she went through.

Yes I am. Lived up the road and used the train which went right past the location. Anyone in their seventies now was definitely alive and horrified

 

[DLHM]

Yes I am. Lived up the road and used the train which went right past the location. Anyone in their seventies now was definitely alive and horrified

I was saying, those of us who remember will never forget. 1986.

 

[Greentrees]

Seems we're not safe anywhere these days, it's a sad day when seniors are getting attacked in hospitals, shopping centres and their homes.
This is not like Australia anymore, we're getting more like USA.
You wonder what makes these attackers so violent and seems that young people are growing up with violence everywhere and are immune to any sort of violent behaviour.

We’re becoming more like the Americans because for years they have been portrayed as a great nation. Everything Americans do is to be copied. Why are we eating cookies instead of biscuits, candy instead of chocolate, cup cakes instead of patty cakes, ketchup instead of tomato sauce.? Next our scones will be biscuits! Why are our manufactured foods full of sugar? We can add our own sugar please.

 

[DLHM]

Pointing the finger at Americans and complaining that’s why Australia is so violent is irresponsible.

Teach our little ones to be proud Australians and the reasons why. Use Australian terminology. We’re saturated with American tv etc, but children can be taught different countries have different ways.

When in Rome….

 

[Ebby]

Fed up with all these stories of violence etc. Time to lobby your local MP both state & federal to try and push for reforms. Enough is enough. It is time we seriously looked at having security staff kitted out with tasers or similar.

We’re becoming more like the Americans because for years they have been portrayed as a great nation. Everything Americans do is to be copied. Why are we eating cookies instead of biscuits, candy instead of chocolate, cup cakes instead of patty cakes, ketchup instead of tomato sauce.? Next our scones will be biscuits! Why are our manufactured foods full of sugar? We can add our own sugar please.

l think every country have their own descriptions of some things like the UK we say wellingtons instead of gum boots crisps-potato chips mackintosh - raincoat sweets - lollies etc here

 

[DLHM]

l think every country have their own descriptions of some things like the UK we say wellingtons instead of gum boots crisps-potato chips mackintosh - raincoat sweets - lollies etc here

That’s all part of giving different countries their own identity. Partially to impart a sense of belonging and pride. (This is my interpretation only.) We should embrace the country we live in.
Sadly there are those who fight it, for whatever reason and become resentful and angry. They are the ones who should go back to where they came from.