Posted: Thu 16th Jan 2025

Man jailed after violent assault on four North Wales hospital staff

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

The Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has condemned the actions of a man jailed for attacking four staff members at a North Wales hospital.

Jamie McAdam, from Colwyn Bay, was sentenced to 14 months in prison last week after a judge noted his intent to “cause serious harm” to health workers.

The assaults occurred on 6 December 2023, when McAdam, who was heavily intoxicated and had taken ketamine, became violent while receiving treatment at Glan Clwyd Hospital.

 

He had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

McAdam’s behaviour included spitting at, biting, and verbally abusing staff who were attempting to care for him.

He also bit through a cannula and attempted to smear his blood on nurses, claiming he had hepatitis.

One nurse sustained a painful bite to her forearm while trying to bandage McAdam’s arm after he had pulled out his cannula.

A hospital porter, who intervened to help restrain him, was also targeted, with McAdam attempting to bite his hand.

Even after being sedated for a CT scan, McAdam continued his aggression, lashing out at a security guard.

Once deemed fit to leave by a doctor, McAdam refused and caused further disruption until North Wales Police arrived to arrest him.

The court heard McAdam had 28 previous convictions for 53 offences.

Carol Shillabeer, Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, praised the courage of health workers and reaffirmed the health board’s commitment to protecting staff from violence:

“We understand some people are under extreme stress when they need our services, and some people come to us with difficulties.

“However, there is no circumstance where staff in our emergency departments should have to contend with the behaviour we have seen in this case. No colleague should have to experience such aggression or violence in the course of their work.”

She added: “I have been clear, there are no excuses for threatening staff or visitors at any of our sites. We will always prosecute abuse and aggression against our colleagues, where it is appropriate. I am fully aware of the incredible service they provide under immense pressures, and they quite rightly enjoy support from the majority of the public.

“So, thankfully, these extreme incidents are rare.

“I would also like to pay tribute to our partners within North Wales Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for bringing this individual to justice.”

At Caernarfon Crown Court, Judge Nicola Jones criticised McAdam’s actions, stating:

“All of these people were doing their best to assist you. There was an intention by you to cause serious harm.”

McAdam’s custodial sentence reflects the seriousness of the attacks and the risks faced by emergency staff during incidents of violence.

Health boards across Wales have emphasised their zero-tolerance approach to aggression, ensuring staff are supported and protected as they deliver care under challenging conditions.

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