Patient assaulted psychiatric nurse at Mayo University Hospital

A psychiatric nurse has become "hypervigilant" in his work environment after a patient assaulted him, a court heard.

Robert Jordan was giving evidence at Castlebar District Court in the case against Noel Tierney, aged 39, of 20 Summerfield, Castlebar, who pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Jordan at the Adult Mental Health Unit in Mayo University Hospital on October 23, 2022.

Mr Jordan was working in the unit at the time when Tierney, who had been a patient there for the previous three days, approached him. He was agitated and looking for a phone charger. He attempted to punch Mr Jordan and missed, but then connected with a headbutt.

Mr Jordan suffered an injury to his nose, swelling on his cheekbones and a pain in his neck. The psychiatric nurse told the court he took two months of "assault leave" following the incident but the psychological effects were longer lasting. He is now "anxious and hypervigilant" when in similar situations at work and has availed of HSE staff supports.

“There is a certain level of aggression expected in our job but this was beyond the level expected,” he said.

Tierney has one previous conviction.

Solicitor Ita Feeney said her client, who previously lived in Australia, had voluntarily admitted himself to the Mental Health Unit and he wished to apologise to Mr Jordan for his behaviour.

Judge Fiona Lydon expressed concern about the "unwarranted assault" and ordered a pre-sanction report as well as a hair follicle test to prove Tierney is drug-free.

“His liberty is at stake,” she said, adjourning the case until May 7.