Nurse sues over attack
TriCare trainee ‘choked at work by dementia patient’
A TRAINEE nurse who claims she was choked by a dementia patient trying to escape from a Pimpama aged care facility is suing her former employer for $260,000.
Zameille Clarke was working in the dementia ward at TriCare on May 12, 2013, when the incident allegedly occurred.
The trainee assistant nurse was on her way to the kitchen when a co-worker held open a security door for a resident and a visitor.
When the male patient attempted to push past and leave the ward, Ms Clarke claims she attempted to intervene but he lunged forward and unexpectedly choked her, according to her court documents.
The 26-year-old has lodged a personal injury claim in the Southport District Court and is suing TriCare for $262,000.
In the claim prepared by Shine Lawyers, Ms Clarke says she suffered a soft tissue injury to the neck and a psychological injury.
She alleges the injuries were caused by negligence and/or breach of contract as she was instructed to work in the dementia ward without adequate supervision.
It is further alleged TriCare failed to provide adequate training on working with residents with dementia, failed to supervise residents to ensure they posed no risk to workers and failed to properly medicate the inmate to minimise any risk of aggressive behaviour.
After the incident Ms Clarke took four months off work before returning to work elsewhere as she says an alternative role and place of employment were not available with TriCare.
“As a consequence of her injuries, she is no longer suited to the role of trainee assistant nurse and is no longer able to pursue her career as a registered nurse,” the claim states.
Ms Clarke says she had to undergo medical and rehabilitation treatment and continues to suffer pain in her neck.
TriCare retirement and aged care manager Grant Clonan said they had not yet been served but added any proceedings would be defended.
“Any proceedings will be re- ferred to the Aged Care Employers Self Insurance Group,” he said.
Ms Clarke also declined to comment but Shine Lawyers partner Stuart MacLeod said the incident had a “very serious impact” on her.
“TriCare had a duty of care to ensure that their employees were placed in a safe environment at all times,” he said.
“The situation could have been much worse for Zameille and we hope that these legal proceedings cause employers in our healthcare profession to sit up and take notice.”