27 August 2020
Port Augusta Hospital and Regional Health Service staff have secured a Code Black agreement following a number of violent incidents.
Staff had been actively seeking a new Code Black document that aligns with SA Health’s Challenging Behaviour Strategic Framework.
The Framework details how to prevent and respond to challenging behaviour during health care, to minimise the potential harm to staff and consumers.
ANMF (SA Branch)’s professional team had previously reviewed and compared its own 10-Point Plan to End Violence and Aggression against the Framework and believes the latter addresses criteria identified in our 10-Point Plan.
A Code Black Operational Working Instruction for Whyalla and Port Augusta was developed and now in Port Augusta there is a newly developed Local Work Instruction that is site specific. Staff in Port Augusta are currently receiving training in regards to Code Blacks and de-escalation.
Active WSR Jannene Cannard has been on the forefront since an increase in the violence associated with Code Blacks in the area.
ANMF (SA Branch) has been working alongside Port Augusta members for a significant period of time to reach this important milestone.
“Port Augusta members should feel proud that through their advocacy they have been able to secure this new Code Black agreement which will help create a safer workplace,’’ said ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj. Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM.
“We are proud of the strong and sustained actions taken by our members to help stamp out violence against health care professionals.
“We will continue to work with our members to ensure that issues pertaining to violence are urgently and comprehensively addressed,’’ Ms Dabars said.
“Nurses, midwives and personal care workers all deserve to feel safe at work.’’