Patient Assaults Worker at Napa State Hospital

A employee was assaulted by a patient on Wednesday evening, hospital officials said today.

According to a statement released by the hospital, the patient approached a male psychiatric technician, who was seated in a chair, and punched him in the face.

The employee activated his wireless alarm, which is on a lanyard that is worn around the neck, and a struggle ensued, hospital officials said.

During the struggle, the patient grabbed the employee's lanyard, which broke as it is designed to do, according to the statement.

Hospital staff responded to the alarm and assisted the technician, who was taken to  for a full assessment, according to the statement.

The technician was released from the hospital later Wednesday. Napa State Hospital police are investigating the incident.

"The alarm system worked as designed and staff responded consistent with the training received," the hospital's statement read.

Hospital officials said the patient involved in the attack had been committed to the hospital because he was found incompetent to stand trial.

A hospital spokeswoman declined to provide more details on his criminal case.

By Bay City News Service.

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