ATHOL—Following a reported stabbing in the emergency room of Heywood Hospital in Gardner, a number of new security measures are in place for the emergency department.

These measures are in place at Heywood Hospital and will be at Athol Hospital within the coming days. According to information posted to the web sites of medical centers in the Heywood network, all patients entering the emergency departments will be screened via a security wand and provided a gown. Personal items will be stored in a safe place.

Temporarily, visitation is suspended in the emergency department, with the exception of caregivers, parents of minors, healthcare proxies, which are also subject to screening. Restricted visitation will continue until a more permanent safety infrastructure is in place.

According to a joint statement from the Gardner Police and Heywood Hospital, on June 12 at approximately 8 p.m., officers from Gardner responded to a reported stabbing at the Heywood Hospital Emergency Department. The victim, a member of the hospital’s nursing staff, was transported to UMASS in Worcester for treatment.

“Words cannot express the feelings that overwhelmed us Monday night. No one should ever have to go to work, especially when their chosen “work” is taking care of others, and worry for their safety,” said Heywood Healthcare CEO Rozanna Penney in a statement issued on Wednesday. “What happened last night in our ED is not acceptable, and will not become a norm at Heywood Healthcare. To address immediate safety concerns, we are partnering with our community to increase police and security presence in our EDs, while we initiate permanent security infrastructure enhancements.”

The suspect, David Nichols, 76, of 88 Laurel Drive, Apt. 2, Greenville, N.H., was arrested at the scene and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and attempt to commit a crime (murder). He was arranged later that day in Gardner District Court and his next court appearance is scheduled for July 14.

Max Bowen can be reached at mbowen@recorder.com or 413-930-4074.

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