[nursebedlam]

Bashed nurse receives ex-gratia payout

October 3, 2004 - 3:58PM

A psychiatric nurse bashed unconscious at a mental health unit has been awarded an ex-gratia payment of more than $107,000 by the West Australian government.

Debbie Freeman almost died after she was violently attacked by a patient while at work at the Swan Health Service's mental health unit in March.

After spending months in hospital recovering, Ms Freeman and her fiance Kevin Mellican are trying to rebuild their lives.

She said today she was thrilled to learn of the ex-gratia payment which would ease the financial stress on the couple and allow them to marry in two weeks time.

"This is such a nice wedding present and a relief for us knowing that we don't have to worry about mortgage payments any more," she said.

"It's exciting as I've never owned my own home before, I want this house to be something Kevin and I can grow old in," she said.

The $107,000 payment will pay off the couple's mortgage and not impede on any claim Ms Freeman makes for criminal injuries or civil compensation.

She said she was unsure if they would pursue the matter any further.

Ms Freeman is on worker's compensation while Mr Mellican, also a mental health nurse at the Swan Health Service unit, has taken leave without pay to help Ms Freeman with her rehabilitation.

WA Attorney-General Jim McGinty said the ex-gratia payment would not create a precedent for others.

"This payment was approved because of the extraordinary circumstances faced by Ms Freeman, who was horrifically bashed while doing the job she loved," Mr McGinty said.

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/...?oneclick=true

[wam79]

As a psych nurse this is good to read. Psych like the ER and other areas of nursing can expect to have violent patients. They should not "expect to be injured. The staff at a hospital were told they should "expect to be hurt as part of the job" by an administrator. A nurse there had been seriously injured by a pt hitting her over the head with a heavy planter. Injuries will happen , but when someone who is caring for others has such a serious injury... Well it is nice to see Australia wanted to let her know they care and she is valued.

[mattsmom81]

Thanks for the update...I have been wondering how this poor girl was faring and am glad she is getting SOME assistance after all she has been through. I am happy for her and hope she can rebuild a good life.