EP 93: A Nurse's Violent Attack: The Story of Leela Lal as Told By Her Daughter

TRIGGER WARNING! This episode discusses a violent assault On February 18th, 2025 Registered Nurse Leelamma Lal, "Leela", was savagely attacked by her patient, Stephen Scantlebury, while working at HCA Palms West Hospital in Florida. She remains hospitalized one month later. Nurses across the country have been collectively outraged over this violent incident against one of our own. In this episode of Nurses Uncorked, Nurse Jessica and Nurse Erica speak with Dr. Cindy Joseph, Leela's daughter. She shares the details of the attack, Leela's background as a dedicated nurse and the ongoing challenges they face during her recovery. Dr. Joseph shares the emotional and physical toll of the incident on their family and the broader nursing community. The episode emphasizes the need for better safety measures in healthcare settings and calls for community support for Leila's recovery. The discussion delves into the systemic failures of hospital security protocols and the broader implications of violence against healthcare workers. Dr. Joseph encourages other healthcare workers to report safety concerns without fear of retaliation. Community support through donations is crucial for Leela's recovery. Please donate to the Go Fund Me listed below. Thank you to our sponsor, Stink Balm Odor Blocker! Please visit: https://www.stinkbalmodorblocker.com/ and use promo code UNCORKED15 for 15% off your purchase! Thank you to our Enema Award Sponsor, Happy Bum Co. Please visit https://happybumco.com/ and use promo code NURSESUNCORKED for 15% off your first bundle. Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Email with the subject NURSES UNCORKED SPONSOR to nursesuncorked@nursesuncorked.com Help Us Keep This Podcast going and become an official Patron of Nurses Uncorked! Gain early access to episodes, patron only bonus episodes, giveaways and earn the title of becoming either a Wine Cork, Wine Bottle, Decanter, Grand Preserve, or even a Vineyard member for exclusive benefits! Benefits also include patron only Zoom parties, newsletters, shout-outs, and much more. https://patron.podbean.com/nursesuncorkedpodcast GO FUND ME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-leela If you have knowledge of security issues at HCA Palms West Hospital, Florida, please email: justiceforleela@gmail.com Chapters: 02:20 A Tragic Act of Violence Intro 03:54 Cocktail of the Week 04:50 Introduction and Case Background 06:55 Leela's Background 11:36 The Day of the Attack 17:03 Leila's Current Condition and Recovery 21:00 Navigating Medical Knowledge and Family Care 22:40 Future Uncertainties and Rehabilitation 25:20 Memory of the Attack 26:28 How to Help Leela 28:14 The Response Time 30:14 Hospital Accountability and Safety Concerns 32:14 Palms West Hospital Employees 34:45 911 Call Reaction 36:54 Inspection Found 'No Deficiencies' 39:26 Hate Crime Enhancement and Charges 40:29 Security Protocols and Hospital Failures 44:14 Restraints Underutilized 46:00 HCA "Generously" Provided a Desk 48:18 UPMC ICU Hostage Incident 49:47 The Broader Impact of Violence Against Healthcare Workers 53:31 Enema of the Week Award 56:53 Legal Ramifications and Accountability 59:20 Final Thoughts and Call to Action GO FUND ME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-leela Cocktail of the Week: On the Rocks Espresso Martini, Effen Vodka https://www.otrcocktails.com/ready-to-drink-cocktails/espresso-martini New episodes of Nurses Uncorked every Tuesday (Monday for patrons!). 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