"Elderly Father in His 70s with Diabetes Assaulted by Caregiver for Eating Bread"

A Phone Call from a Father in His 70s in a Closed Ward
"Kicked in the Chest... The Pain Is Unbearable"
"Beaten and Tied Up Just for Eating a Little Bread"
Perpetrator Caregiver: "I Only Restrained Him to Subdue"
Victim's Son: "The Hospital Tried to Cover Up the Assault"

A hospital caregiver is hitting a patient in their 70s with a pillow. Photo by JTBC Sagoenbanjang

In a hospital in Mokpo, Jeonnam, a woman in her 20s who was a caregiver assaulted a patient in his 70s, resulting in fractured ribs. The victim's side claimed, "He was assaulted simply because a diabetic patient ate bread."

According to JTBC's 'Case Manager' on the 9th, the incident occurred last November at a hospital in Mokpo. According to informant A, the 70-year-old father, Mr. B, has been suffering from bipolar disorder, dementia, and diabetes, and has been repeatedly admitted and discharged from the hospital for eight years for treatment. Recently, he was transferred to a closed ward where communication with the outside was only possible via a public phone.

However, at the end of last year, A heard a shocking story from his father. His father said, "He kicked me in the chest with his foot, and even after three days, it still hurts terribly. I did nothing wrong," and added, "I was hit in the face, strangled, and then my arms and legs were tied up and locked away like in prison." Mr. B explained, "Since I have diabetes, I think I was instructed to be restrained, but the hospital only gave me porridge, so I was very hungry and ended up eating some bread. I was assaulted just for eating a little bread."

When the shocked A checked the hospital CCTV, it clearly showed a male caregiver in his 20s entering Mr. B's room, followed by a commotion that attracted nearby people. Afterwards, the caregiver dragged Mr. B out and took him to the intensive care room, where footage also captured the caregiver hitting the patient with a pillow. Mr. B was only able to inform his family about the incident six days after it happened.

A patient in their 70s who was assaulted is seen clutching the injured chest area while being escorted by a caregiver. JTBC Incident Commander

Regarding this, A expressed anger, accusing the hospital of trying to cover up the assault. The hospital admitted that they were already aware of the caregiver assaulting Mr. B and that a disciplinary committee was held. However, the caregiver in question resigned on the 2nd of last month before A and Mr. B could communicate, though it was reported that the resignation was not due to disciplinary action. Notably, the hospital also did not disclose that Mr. B’s ribs were fractured. It was confirmed that Mr. B suffered injuries to his 7th, 8th, and 9th ribs.

Ultimately, A filed a complaint against the hospital for violating medical laws by failing to promptly inform about his father's condition. In response, the hospital voluntarily reported the matter to an elderly care protection agency. The agency reportedly informed A that, based on witness testimonies, there appeared to be circumstances of assault.

The hospital director acknowledged most of the facts and said, "I have no intention of defending the perpetrator. As the patient's attending physician, it is our principle to inform guardians of even minor incidents, but I failed to recognize that part. I apologize," bowing his head.

However, the caregiver stated in a written report, "I only pressed down with my knee to restrain him. I did nothing wrong, so I have no need to reflect or apologize." In response, A expressed anger, saying, "I have not received any (apology) contact to date. I have reported the caregiver to the police for assault."