A shocking incident of violence has occurred at the Lemnos General Hospital, where an 87-year-old man allegedly assaulted two doctors and a nurse. One doctor sustained serious injuries and required hospitalization for a day in the Internal Medicine Department.
What Happened?
According to Michalis Giannakos, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Hospital Doctors’ Unions (POEDIN), the attack took place on the morning of Friday, 26 June 2026. The man had first visited the hospital the previous Thursday complaining of constipation. After examination, physicians recommended short-term admission—but he refused, signed a discharge form accepting full responsibility, and left.
The next day, he returned to the outpatient clinic and reportedly began shouting and hurling insults. When a rural physician asked him to calm down, he allegedly grabbed her by the hair and neck, threw her to the floor, and punched and kicked her repeatedly. Two other staff members—a second rural physician and a nurse—were also attacked while trying to assist her.
‘A Doctor Survived by a Miracle’
Giannakos described the incident in stark terms: ‘Words fail us every time we try to describe the aggression patients and their relatives direct at healthcare workers. At Lemnos Hospital, we crossed ourselves in relief that this 87-year-old man didn’t kill a rural doctor—and she escaped with bruises all over her body from kicks and punches. She was hospitalized for one day in the Internal Medicine Clinic. She had a miracle.’
Security Gaps Under Fire
Giannakos emphasized that the hospital lacks adequate security during morning shifts. He explained that no guard is present on weekday mornings—not even as a receptionist or telephone operator. Guards are only deployed in the afternoons, overnight, and on weekends and holidays—often doubling as phone operators.
‘So on Friday morning, there was no guard—not even as a phone operator,’ he said. ‘The union and hospital staff have repeatedly reported this lack of security.’
Aftermath and Criticism
Following the assault, the medical team re-examined the patient before contacting the police. He was arrested and taken to the local police station but released shortly afterward due to his age—despite the fact that prosecutors initiated proceedings automatically and staff had already given formal statements.
Giannakos strongly criticized hospital management for failing to ensure staff safety: ‘Not even a cat… not even damage—but he tried to kill colleagues. Seriously, what is this administration doing? Where are they? Is it really possible that the hospital has zero security? What concern do they show for colleagues whose lives were put at risk?’