WEST PALM BEACH, FL – A chilling incident unfolded at HCA Palms West Hospital when Stephen Eric Scantlebury, 33, allegedly launched a violent assault on a nurse, leaving her with life-threatening injuries. On February 18, around 1:20 p.m., Scantlebury, a patient under the Baker Act, reportedly attacked the nurse by jumping onto his bed and striking her repeatedly. The attack resulted in severe facial injuries, with authorities stating that the nurse is at risk of losing vision in both eyes.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has charged Scantlebury with attempted second-degree murder, and a hate crime enhancement has been added, potentially leading to a more severe sentence if he is convicted. Witnesses at the hospital recounted the harrowing scene, and surveillance footage captured the incident. Scantlebury was later seen leaving the hospital and was taken into custody on Southern Boulevard.
The nurse was quickly airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center Trauma Center for emergency treatment due to the critical nature of her injuries. HCA Florida Healthcare has expressed its support for the injured nurse and acknowledged the swift response by law enforcement in handling the crisis.
The incident has reignited concerns about the adequacy of handling patients under the Baker Act in non-designated facilities. Scantlebury’s presence at Palms West, which is not a designated Baker Act receiving facility, raises questions about the decision-making process leading to his placement there. Mark Astor, an attorney specializing in Baker Act cases, voiced concerns about the availability of appropriate facilities and the potential risks posed by misplacement.
Palm Beach County has been grappling with a mental health crisis, exacerbated by the closure of the Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health in 2019. Although efforts are underway to address the issue, including a $10 million investment in a new crisis center, experts warn that the solution could take years to materialize.
Workplace violence in hospitals, particularly against nurses, is an escalating concern. Jane Thomason of National Nurses United highlighted the anxiety and fear that healthcare workers face, given the increasing likelihood of encountering violence in their line of work. Dr. Daniel Bober, Chief of Psychiatry at Memorial Regional Healthcare, emphasized the importance of specialized training for staff dealing with mentally unstable patients, which may not be available in non-specialized facilities.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist with the nurse’s medical expenses, which include intensive care and facial reconstructive surgeries.