Support Pete -Violent Assault at NYS Psychiatric Facility

Help My Dad Get the Care He Needs After Being Violently Assaulted at a NYS Psychiatric

Facility

Hi, my name is Allison. I'm raising money for my dad, Peter Shiffman– a devoted nurse, mental

health advocate, and public servant who has spent his life helping others.

On September 17, 2024, while working as a nurse administrator at South Beach Psychiatric

Center in Staten Island, NY, my father was brutally assaulted by a patient.

The patient had a documented history of violent behavior and an extensive criminal history. It

was clear to staff and leadership that he posed a serious threat, yet he was admitted– that

decision nearly cost my father his life.

While trying to manage a tense situation, my dad was punched from the side. The blow was so forceful it knocked him unconscious instantly.

He collapsed, hitting the ground and fracturing his skull. The injury caused four traumatic brain bleeds, seizures, a traumatic brain injury (TBI),

nerve damage, and cognitive impairment.

My father spent 14 days on a ventilator in a medically induced coma. While his life was saved, his ability to live it fully has been taken from him. Since the attack, my dad has lived in constant physical and neurological pain.

He struggles daily with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), suspected craniocervical instability, memory loss, disorientation, and unrelenting head and neck

pain.

His balance issues have become so severe that he is unable to continue physical therapy, and

without surgical intervention and specialist care, his condition will only worsen.

The very system meant to support him– New York State Workers' Compensation– has refused

or delayed nearly every form of treatment. Treatments involving his brain, neck, and spine have been denied. He has paid for private insurance his entire career, but now legally can’t use it. He has been told to wait for Medicare "eventually".

But he may not have that kind of time, and he shouldn't have to wait to be eligible for care that

could help him now.

Where is the New York State Office of Mental Health, the agency that employed him?

Where is Workers' Compensation, whose job is to protect public servants like my dad?

And what about the brave and skilled staff who fought to save my father's life and still return to

work every day? They should never have to work in fear, wondering if today might be the day

they're next.

My father has been left to suffer quietly. We are speaking up not only to fight for him, but to fight

for every other New York State healthcare worker still showing up to do the job. Because if this can happen to someone like my dad– a registered nurse, an advocate, a union steward– then it can happen to anyone.

This fundraiser will go directly toward:

- Out-of-network surgical consults

- Specialized imaging and diagnostics

- Pain management and neurological treatment

- Transportation, home care, and recovery support

Beyond any money, we want awareness. We hope to shine a light on the broken system that is

failing frontline healthcare workers, even after they survive traumatic and near-fatal workplace

injuries.

My dad may never fully recover. But with your help, we can fight for his dignity, his care, and a

future where no nurse, no healthcare worker, no human being is ever forgotten like this again.

Please donate or share if you can. Your voice and support can help us save his life– and send a

message to the system that we are witnessing.

With love and determination,

Allison & Family