In a disturbing incident that occurred in September 2024, a 68-year-old man with dementia was severely injured at a psychiatric hospital in Huangshi, Hubei Province, China.
The case was revealed by the victim’s son, Mr Wong, on Thursday, 5 June 2025, when he spoke to reporters about what had happened to his father.
The victim was reportedly tied at the wrists during midday rest when he was attacked by another patient sharing the room.
Improper Restraint Enabled Attack That Left Victim Blind
According to Kwong Wah, the attacker had only one hand restrained, which allowed him to turn over in bed and gouge out the victim’s right eye, while also damaging the left.
The horrifying assault left the elderly man completely blind in his right eye and with blurred vision in the left eye.
Victim Underwent Three Surgeries in Wuhan
After the attack, hospital staff intervened and arranged immediate transfer to a hospital in Wuhan, where the victim underwent three eye surgeries, with most of the medical costs covered by the psychiatric hospital.
Following treatment, the patient was returned to the same psychiatric facility and stayed under supervision for about ten days.
Mr. Wong accessed CCTV footage of the incident and described the assault as a failure of hospital management.
Son Criticized Hospital’s Restraint Protocols
Mr Wong criticised the hospital’s restraint protocols, saying,
“If the patient’s hands had been properly restrained, he wouldn’t have been able to roll over, let alone scratch my father’s eyes. This happened entirely because of the hospital’s poor management.”
He also claimed that a nurse briefly intervened but left the room shortly after, leaving his father vulnerable to further harm.
Hospital Disciplines Staff, Advises Legal Action
A hospital representative confirmed that the entire department was subjected to internal disciplinary measures following the incident.
Staff reportedly faced financial penalties totalling “several tens of thousands of yuan.”
Furthermore, the hospital encouraged Mr Wong’s family to take legal action to pursue compensation, though the process is proving difficult.
Since his father suffers from dementia, doctors are struggling to carry out the necessary legal assessments, making it harder for the family to move forward with the case.
Featured images via Kwong Wah and Canva.
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