An older woman who was assaulted in an unprovoked attack by a fellow patient at a Sydney hospital has died, leaving her family devastated.
It is alleged Samira Kamaleddine, 81, was attacked by another patient Richard Lim, 28, at Bankstown-Lidcome Hospital on January 4 about 3am when NSW Police were called.
Police have said Mr Lim grabbed and assaulted Ms Kamaleddine’s two daughters, 63 and 58, first while they were waiting with their mother in the Emergency Department before he choked and bashed the 81-year-old’s head against a wall.
Ms Kamaleddine lost consciousness due to the assault and remained in hospital in a critical condition for over a month before dying on Friday. Last Sunday, she was transferred to Liverpool Hospital for an operation but her condition was too severe.
Ms Kamaleddine’s daughters told 9News she died on Friday surrounded by all of her family.
Mr Lim was arrested at the hospital after the alleged assault and was taken to Bankstown Police Station after receiving medical clearance.
He appeared before Parramatta Local Court last month and did not apply for bail and is remanded in custody, due to face Burwood Local Court at the end of February.
Police are now considering upgrading Mr Lim’s charges.