Sarah Herrmann, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Wallaroo Hospital’s full-time security measures have been extended until May while an external review to determine future protocol is completed.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation campaigned for better security at the site after a man smashed through two sets of entry doors and attacked the back of an ambulance at the hospital in February 2023.
In response to the campaign, around-the-clock guards were put in place in September 2023 for a six-month trial. Yorke and Northern Local Health Network CEO Roger Kirchner said the LHN has extended the security contract at Wallaroo and Port Pirie Hospitals while the pilot program is assessed.
“The review will involve detailed analysis of security incidents across the YNLHN to help us determine our future security plans,” Mr Kirchner said.
“A recent YNLHN staff survey on the commencement of security personnel at both hospitals found staff generally felt positively about the presence of security.
“We intend to conduct further surveys, as well as engage with community and other stakeholders as part of the external review of security.”
ANMF SA Branch CEO Professor Elizabeth Dabars said she welcomed the review, stressing the importance of constantly engaging with local workers about their concerns, rather than taking a set and forget approach.
“The members there (at the hospital) are absolutely telling us 24/7 restraint-trained security guards are really essential,” Prof. Dabars said.
“It comes down to their presence being a genuine deterrent for people who do have control over their behaviour and for those people where they lack that degree of control, they offer immediate support and the boots on the ground which are necessary to provide the restraint or intervention our members require.”
Prof. Dabars said data from Port Augusta and Whyalla Hospitals showed a 62.5 per cent decrease in events resulting in an injury and a 23 per cent decrease in staff reporting mental stress due to challenging behaviours after the implementation of security guards.
She said she believes similar statistics will emerge from the reviews at Wallaroo and Port Pirie.
“It was a long and arduous process to get these restraint-trained security guards in place,” Prof. Dabars said.
“No one should feel unsafe at work.
“I just want to commend the nurses and midwives of the region for their steadfastness and strength in continuing to call for these restraint-trained security personnel, not only for their own safety but for the safety and certainty of the broader community.”
This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 13 March 2024.
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