Barbados Nurses Association Condemns Attack at Randal Phillips Polyclinic, Calls for Enhanced Security

Nurse Attacked, Polyclinic Temporarily Closed

The Randal Phillips Polyclinic in Oistins, Christ Church, was forced to close temporarily on September 22, 2025, following an act of violence against one of its nurses. The incident, which occurred on Monday, involved a parent of a patient who allegedly slapped a nurse across the face during a heated dispute over a child's vaccination. Staff at the polyclinic rallied in solidarity, leading to the immediate shutdown of the facility.

BNA Condemns Violence, Demands Action

The Barbados Nurses Association (BNA), led by President Dr. Faye G. Parris, has unequivocally condemned the assault, describing it as a 'deeply troubling and unacceptable' act that threatens the 'safety, dignity, and professional integrity of nurses across Barbados'. The BNA emphasized that this is not merely an attack on an individual nurse but a broader threat to the nursing profession, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of female nurses on the front lines of care.

In response to this incident and a 'troubling pattern of aggression toward female nurses', the BNA is advocating for several strategic actions:

• A renewed call for the installation of panic buttons at all healthcare institutions to ensure immediate emergency response and staff safety.
• Collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to review and strengthen security protocols across polyclinics and hospitals.
• Provision of trauma-informed care and counselling for affected staff, acknowledging the emotional toll of workplace violence.
• Calls for stiff penalties for acts of battery against healthcare professionals to deter future incidents.

The BNA has extended its full support to the nurse involved, her colleagues, and all staff impacted by the traumatic event, stating that their safety and well-being are paramount.

Escalating Concerns Over Healthcare Worker Safety

This latest incident at the Randal Phillips Polyclinic is part of a 'series of attacks' and 'security breaches' that have become a recurring threat at multiple healthcare facilities in Barbados. Recent months have seen several other violent acts against nurses, underscoring a growing crisis in healthcare worker safety:

• In January 2024, a nurse at the St. Philip Polyclinic was threatened with a knife by a patient, prompting the BNA to call for metal detectors and increased security personnel.
• In June 2025, a Ghanaian nurse was stabbed in the neck near the St Philip District Hospital in an incident believed to be an attempted robbery.
• In July 2025, three nurses at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) were attacked by a patient wielding a sharp object.

The BNA has consistently urged the government to elevate nurse safety from a reactive response to a proactive national policy, calling for urgent, system-wide safety measures. The association welcomes the investigation by the Ministry of Health and Wellness into the Randal Phillips Polyclinic incident.