THE health ministry on Monday ordered an investigation into an incident at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) where hospital and janitorial workers employed by Lamasa Limited allegedly attacked and injured a patient on the weekend.

“The management of KPH is currently carrying out an investigation into the matter, after which a report will be forwarded to the Ministry of Health as well as the South East Regional Health Authority,” the health ministry said in a statement. “As soon as this report is ascertained a statement will be made on the matter.”

Attempts to get details of the incident proved futile on Monday as Donald Farquharson, the hospital’s CEO told the Observer that he had not seen the complaint that was submitted.

But an RJR report said a reporter from its news team had witnessed the incident. According to the report, the patient, who wore bloodied bandages all over his face, was set upon by at least five men attired in blue uniforms, worn by Lamasa workers, following a heated exchange.

The report also said after they rained blows on the injured patient, the men dragged him out of the Assessment area of the hospital and kicked him unto the pavement.

The incident, it added, occurred under the watchful eyes of a small crowd of persons comprising security personnel, Lamasa and KPH workers.

Additionally, RJR said during the fracas, the patient left behind his health card which had the name Hepburn Hutchinson inscribed on it.