The woman sustained severe bruising to her face and head in the incident which occurred at Gransha Hospital earlier this month.
It's believed the incident had its origins at Strand Road police station where police officers detained a man in an agitated state.

It's been revealed police had to handcuff him and, in the process, it is understood a number of officers may have been assaulted. The man was then arrested and taken to Gransha Psychiatric Hospital.

A nurse dealing with the patient entered a room and found herself alone with him, believing him to be subdued.

However, it is understood the nurse was subjected to a savage beating
suffering injuries to her head and face. It is only when another member of staff heard screams that the alarm was raised. The nurse is now recovering in hospital.

Bernard McAnaney, assistant director of mental health services with the Western Health Trust (WHSST), revealed that the nurse had been left "very traumatised" by the incident and had yet to return to work.

Staff aware

Mr. McAnaney said mental health nursing staff were aware that "these things can happen" and that, on occasion, "some attacks can be quite violent."