27 February 2023
The ANMF (SA Branch) has formally written to the South Australian Commissioner for Police, Grant Stevens, following yet another episode of violence in a health care setting.
We have again, raised concerns about nurse, midwives and health care workers reporting incidences of violence and aggression in the workplace and a lack of action being taken.
Members continue to report that despite serious incidents of assault on staff and property damage being escalated to South Australian Police, that often, matters are not pursued due to incapacity of the alleged.
The most recent incident occurred at the Noarlunga Health Service Emergency Department on 23 February 2023. Members reported a patient who had absconded from the Emergency Department and had been on a care and control order, was picked up by SAPOL Officers and returned to the Emergency Department at which point SAPOL left the premises.
Following this, members reported that the patient became extremely violent, barricading themselves in a cubicle causing extensive damage to the hospital (up to $50,000). Members feared for their safety and were unable to manage the situation internally and consequently called SAPOL for assistance.
As a result, ANMF (SA Branch) Officers entered the Noarlunga Health Service Emergency Department on Friday 24 February 2023, under section 117 of the WHS Act. Members expressed their disappointment that the alleged was not charged by police despite the significant damage to property and impact on staff.
Over the last few weeks, there has been a notable increase in violent incidences against nurses, midwives and health care workers in both metropolitan and rural and remote settings.
ANMF (SA Branch) are currently in dialogue with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing’s Office to seek a commitment to instate 24/7 restraint-trained security guards in major country hospital sites, however we are yet to receive a response.
We are seeking Commissioner Steven’s urgent response into the abovementioned matter and the continued acts of violence and aggression against nurses and midwives.
“Our concern remains that nurses, midwives and health care workers continue to report incidences of extreme violence and aggression against themselves and members of the public with no recourse for perpetrators”, ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
“Nurses, midwives and healthcare workers have a right to feel safe in their workplace and the ANMF (SA Branch) will continue advocating for our members”, Ms Dabars said.