Two members of the nursing staff at Saint-Pierre University Hospital were injured during a knife attack by a patient on Thursday morning at the Brussels hospital, according to the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office, Belga reports.
The hospital's emergency department was temporarily closed following the incident.
The nurse involved was injured as a result of the incident, but his condition remains unclear. The patient in question has been restrained and the situation is now under control.
"On Thursday morning, a knife attack took place in the emergency department of Saint-Pierre Hospital in Brussels," the Public Prosecutor's Office said.
"Two members of hospital staff were injured. The exact circumstances of the incident remain unknown at this stage." The suspect was immediately arrested and the initial investigation has begun. The federal judicial police (PJF) laboratory is expected to arrive at the scene, and the public prosecutor's office also plans to visit the site. Meanwhile, several witnesses are currently being interviewed.
"The police victim support service is on site to assist witnesses," added the Brussels Public Prosecutor's Office. Due to the incident, the emergency department at Saint-Pierre Hospital has been temporarily closed. The Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation. "No further comments will be made at this stage," concluded the Public Prosecutor's Office.
At this stage, the condition of the healthcare worker remains unknown, as do the circumstances surrounding the incident. The patient is believed to have used a sharp object.
"The situation has been brought under control. The current priority is to deal with the medical aspects of the incident," the hospital told Belga News Agency.
"Management is focusing on the health of the staff member who was the victim of this act of violence," the hospital added, without commenting further on the matter.
'Affects whole sector'
Belgium's Health Minister, Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit), expressed shock over the attack in a statement on Thursday afternoon.
"I learned with great dismay about the terrible incident that occurred this morning at the emergency department of Saint-Pierre Hospital. The violent assault on two caregivers deeply affects me. My thoughts are with them and their families; I wish them much courage."
The minister emphasised that the incident impacts more than just the victims. "This tragedy affects the entire team, the organisation, and the sector as a whole. Providing care often involves pressure, but it should never mean feeling unsafe at work, especially in a hospital. I understand that staff work under challenging and uncertain circumstances, and I want to stress that their safety is a priority."
