A formal review of security in State hospitals has found there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to improve the safety and security of patients, staff and visitors.
In a report prepared for the Government, former Minister for Health and Police, Peter Anderson said 49 hospitals were visited in the course of his review and hundreds of staff including security staff, nurses and doctors were consulted.
“The issues encountered cannot be resolved with a one size fits all solution,” Mr Anderson said.
“Rather an amalgam of actions is required, the adoption of which will have a significant impact on improving the safety and security of patients, staff and others,” he said.
Mr Anderson said the actions included adherence to the principle that ‘security is everyone’s business’; a comprehensive range of measures around deterrence; expansion of the Patient Experience in Emergency Departments program; an expansion of diversionary programs away from the emergency department; and a focus on de-escalation rather than the concept of ‘moving forward’ as the first response.
Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard said Mr Anderson’s report, Improvements to security in hospitals Final Report 2020, made 107 recommendations, which were generally supported by the State, and NSW Health would continue to work closely with staff, unions and other Government Agencies to see the recommendations were actioned and implemented.
Mr Hazzard said additional measures would be introduced, including ensuring Local Health Districts significantly reduced their use of contract security staff and invested in permanent staff members as a priority as well as enhancing security numbers in emergency departments of some rural and regional hospitals.
Mr Anderson’s 81-page Report, including his Interim Report, can be accessed at this PS News link and NSW Health’s 24-page response at this link.
