St. Peter Hospital Worker Hurt After Attack By Patient

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A female staff member at the state hospital in St. Peter is being treated for injuries after being assaulted by a 16-year-old patient.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is investigating the incident at the Minnesota Security Hospital. It happened Monday night in the mental illness division of the secure hospital.

Leaders of the staff member's union report the patient smashed the staff member's head into a brick wall and then kicked her repeatedly. The department says it will review the incident to see how similar situations can be avoided in the future.

Labor members have claimed low staffing levels are putting their members in danger.