State health officials have placed six employees on leave amid an investigation into patient abuse claims at Boston-based Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, reports 7 News Boston.
Police responded to a reported assault at the state-run hospital's mental health unit Aug. 17. A 30-year-old hospital employee allegedly struck a 55-year-old patient, according to the initial police investigation.
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is also conducting an internal investigation into the incident.
"The Department of Mental Health is deeply troubled by these allegations and immediately placed all staff members involved on leave while internal and criminal investigations are conducted," a department spokesperson told 7News Boston.
The department said it also notified all appropriate authorities of the incident and implemented additional precautions to ensure patient safety.