16 February 2023
ANMF (SA Branch) Officers entered Wallaroo Hospital’s Emergency Department on Wednesday under section 117 of the WHS Act in relation to violence and psychological injury.
This follows two Code Black incidents around or just after midnight Wednesday, with a violent man having to be tasered by police.
One incident involved a handcuffed patient requiring sedation, with police remaining on site due to his aggressive behaviour.
In the other incident, a man wrenched off a security camera outside the hospital and smashed four panels of the main entrance door. He was then able to gain access into the airlock and smash two panels of an internal door.
SAPOL were called and, luckily, they were already en route with a patient.
The man then smashed the back of an ambulance and was tasered four times by police before being arrested and taken away.
“This terrifying incident only underscores the urgent need for 24/7 restraint-trained security guards at all regional hospitals,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
“Members are in fear of returning to work and have suffered psychological injuries.
“We have argued ad nauseam for the need for increased security measures. Hospitals like Wallaroo should not have to rely on police call outs and hope that they are able to respond in time.
“We applaud the actions of Wallaroo’s Nursing Unit Manager who came into the hospital at 2430 and stayed with staff until 0730 that morning.’’
The ANMF (SA Branch) has escalated the issue with the Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton’s office.
The ANMF (SA Branch) will update members on outcomes. We encourage members that if there are any further WHS concerns within their workplace, please contact your Health and Safety Representative and the ANMF (SA Branch) for further assistance.
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