14 April 2021
The ANMF (SA Branch) is contacting the CEOs of all regional local health networks inquiring about security measures - and has delivered a huge whack to the Eyre and Far North LHN for bailing out on a recent initiative to combat violence and aggression.
The move follows the welcome decision of the Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network to introduce 24/7 onsite security at the Whyalla and Port Augusta hospitals. The ANMF (SA Branch) urges all other LHNs to follow their example.
“The fact remains that people should be safe at work and we are very pleased that finally some action has been taken in that area,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM told ABC Eyre Peninsula radio brekkie presenter Emma Lee Pedler.
However, the lack of onsite security remains a huge issue at Port Lincoln Hospital, which sits under the Eyre and Far North umbrella, and many other regional hospitals.
“There was an absolutely hideous and brutal bashing of a nurse at the Port Lincoln Hospital in August, 2019,’’ Ms Dabars told ABC Radio.
“And despite there being a SafeWork SA report soon after saying there should be security officers stationed at the Port Lincoln Hospital as a direct result of that particular event, we have been absolutely devastated along with Port Lincoln staff that there were subsequent reviews during which that SafeWork SA report was revoked and replaced with a notice that didn’t require security.
“This is about providing people with a safe working environment and I can say in no uncertain terms we are with the nurses of Port Lincoln. They need to have action on this issue.
“We have taken these issues of violence and aggression to the highest level. We have spoken to everyone including the Minister of Health, to say that the department, the LHNs and indeed the Minister, ultimately the (State) Government, they’re culpable. They need to take responsibility for eliminating this problem.’’
Ms Dabars took particular aim at the Eyre and Far North Local Health Network for not participating in a recent think-tank on addressing issues of violence and aggression, a forum organised by the ANMF (SA Branch) and SA Health and involving LHNs across the state.
“We’ve put out the message to say that we want to work in partnership with them to understand what the LHNs are doing … to try and work with them to eliminate the gap between what they believe they are doing and what people on the ground are feeling and experiencing,’’ Ms Dabars told the ABC, adding that if a construction site worker suffered the same injuries and traumas as many nurses the site would be shut down until the problem was fixed.
“The Eyre and Far North Peninsula LHN has absolutely egregiously rejected the opportunity to participate in a meeting of minds to try and work through these issues,’’ she said.
“It is just outrageous, it is absolutely shameful. Nurses and midwives and their patients and visitors deserve to be in a safe environment.
“I understand that part of the issue at Port Lincoln Hospital is about the increasing demand … which doesn’t seem to match up with the number of staff that are being provided.
“If demand is escalating you’ve got to make sure you are staffing appropriately to make sure you can prevent as much as possible frustrations and causes of people acting out.
“It is the responsibility of the Marshall Government to take charge of the hospital and health sector, both in terms of easing the pressure of demand and providing adequate staff, making sure there is a workforce for now and the future.’’