The original article can be found in: Trinidad Express By Kimberly Castillo
DRAMATIC, frightening scenes unfolded yesterday at the Sangre Grande District Hospital when a seasoned orthopaedic consultant David Santana was verbally and physically assaulted by a patient in front of doctors and patients.
The Express was told by a concerned patient attending clinic that just after 4 p.m, a patient who sustained an injury to one of his fingers six weeks ago, was at the clinic for a follow-up visit.
The doctors attending to him had finished an x-ray on his finger and delivered the results to Santana. However, the man, who was described as tall and strong, demanded surgery and became enraged when Santana suggested that the doctors take an x-ray of his finger without the cast on.
What happened next shocked patients and doctors. The Express understands that the patient, who is a trained martial artist, rushed up to Santana who fell back on his table. The patient then began to curse and point at Santana and struck him in his face.The man then headed out the room but turned back and began rushing towards Santana. Doctors and nurses tried to hold him back. In an attempt to protect Santana, a doctor locked himself and the consultant in a room.
Within minutes security arrived, but the patient had already left the building.
Santana, the Express was told, was visibly shaken as he left the hospital after the altercation.
