Healthcare workers stage protest over attack on nurse by driver

Nurses and other healthcare workers this morning gathered at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew to protest last week’s assault of a nurse by a driver in a rage-filled attack.

They called for justice for the injured nurse.

The protesters were joined by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, who repeated his condemnation of the incident.

“Any act of violence against any individual must be condemned, but our nurses are essential workers; they are out on the street day and night, and justice must take its course in this incident,” said Tufton.

“We are supporting the victim, but we want to send a clear message, which is why the nurses are here and which is why I am here,” he continued.

The protesters later moved the demonstration to East Street in downtown Kingston, where they continued to press their case.

"We think enough is enough and it's time for the silence to be broken," President of the Jamaica Enrolled Nurses Association, Claudine Clarke-Waugh, declared.

"We are hoping that justice will be served."

Businessman Robert Bell was on Saturday charged with the assault of a nurse, which was captured in a now-viral video.

The 65-year-old St Andrew resident is charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault at common law, possessing a firearm with intent to commit a first schedule offence, and possession of a firearm with intent to cause injuries.

The police say about 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, the nurse practitioner was on her way to work when her vehicle was impeded by a vehicle driven by Bell.

A dispute ensued between the two individuals, during which the woman was physically assaulted multiple times.

The following day, Bell was apprehended by the police.

He was subsequently charged after a question-and-answer interview in the presence of his attorney.

The police say they also seized his licensed firearm.

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