23 February 2023
An official report into Mount Gambier Hospital has made 47 recommendations to improve security and safety, including the implementation of 24/7 security guards.
The report, prepared by Dr Tony Zalewski, Director of Global Public Safety Pty Ltd, also calls for the incorporation of the ANMF (SA Branch) 10-Point Plan to address violence and aggression in any training developed.
The ANMF (SA Branch) has long advocated for 24/7 security guards at Mt Gambier and all large regional hospitals. Our 10-point plan seeks to ensure that any workplace design goes to prevent violence, that people are educated on how to handle the issues, and that the issues are, in fact, taken seriously by management and executives.
The Global Public Safety report found a number of operational security and safety risks/hazards. “These include aggressive and challenging behaviours by patients and others in and around the hospital commonly experienced by frontline staff,’’ it stated. “For example, the consultations revealed incidents of aggression by some patients against other patients and staff, boisterous and offensive language around Emergency Department (ED), occasional confrontations with others present such as between groups waiting in emergency, some drug and alcohol affected persons and challenging behaviours.’’
The 47 recommendations of the report were under three key themes:
- Physical and design measures
- People and Training
- Protocols
1. Physical and design measures: Key points:
• A proposed redesign of the ED including a waiting area that can be monitored by both triage and security staff
• Relocation of the current security office so that it is adjacent to the ED
• Installation of toughened one way mirror glass into the wall between the security office and the ED waiting area
• Improved CCTV
• Improved lighting across the perimeters and staff carparks
• Improved security to the carpark.
2. People and Training:
• Engage contract security for 24/7 coverage
• Code Black procedures to align with Code Black training
• Recruit and train additional staff members in Code Black and staff assist responsibilities
• Incorporate the ANMF (SA Branch) 10-Point Plan to address violence and aggression in any training developed.
3. Protocols:
• Protocols to be developed for managing challenging behaviour to ensure meetings are regularly conducted involving SA police, SAAS and patient transport services
• Security protocols to be developed for specialist areas and wards.
The Limestone Coast LHN has written to us to thank members for their involvement in the review and says it will “look forward to progressing the recommendations in due course”.
Mount Gambier Hospital currently has 24/7 security guards – one guard stationed at all times - but there were fears that post the security review they might be removed.
We will continue to monitor the progression of the report’s recommendations and hold the Local Health Network to account.
“This is a fantastic win for the safety of Mount Gambier Hospital staff, patients and visitors and we congratulate all members who contributed to the review,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
“We will continue to advocate for 24/7 security guards in all large country hospitals and hope that this announcement will encourage other sites to follow suit.’’