Matron ‘has gone unpunished’ over assault in a bar

Monday 7th April 2008, 2:29PM BST.

ALDERNEY hospital workers claim that a matron who assaulted a colleague in a bar is continuing to harass and intimidate the woman.

Staff at the Mignot Memorial Hospital expressed their concern after matron Mary Sumner was cautioned by police for assaulting secretary Jane Macfarlane on 8 March. They claim the assault followed several months of harassment and say their employer, the Health and Social Services Department, has failed to punish Mrs Sumner for her actions and ease their fears over Mrs Macfarlane’s safety.

The workers’ statement read: ‘We are very unhappy as we feel her [the matron’s] position within our caring profession has been compromised.’

Both Mrs Sumner and Mrs Macfarlane declined to comment. A police spokesman confirmed Mrs Sumner had received a formal caution for assault.