Delaware nurse accused of punching 72-year-old patient

A nursing assistant from Emily Bissell Hospital is facing charges including patient abuse.

 

The incident happened at the long-term care nursing home in New Castle County. 57-year-old Angela Coverdale was arrested July 30 after allegedly beating the 72-year-old victim by punching her in the face, neck and chest. Investigators say she cursed the victim while attacking her.

Coverdale turned herself in to special investigators with the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit after another staff member at Bissell reported the abuse. 

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Coverdale has been released on $2,000 unsecured bail while awaiting trial. She’s been ordered to have no contact with the victim or the hospital. Her employment at Bissell has been terminated, and she’s prohibited from getting a job at a similar medical facility.

The victim has made a full recovery from her injuries.

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