A review has been launched into the frontline health workers who suffer from violence in their work.
Announcing the review, the Minister for Health, Ryan Park said a major examination of hospital security in 2020 saw 107 recommendations were handed down to ensure the safety of staff, patients and visitors in NSW hospitals.
Mr Park said the review was established to evaluate the implementation of those security and safety measures.
“The safety of health staff is my number one priority,” Mr Park said, “and I am determined to do everything we can to support the essential workers who support us.”
“The health environment is complex and our frontline health staff manage risks every day at work,” he said.
“Staff have a right to come to work without being injured.”
Mr Park said the 2020 examination was led by Peter Anderson and he has been asked to return to conduct the review.
“Mr Anderson will also be asked to provide advice on any further actions needed to improve implementation,” the Minister said.
He said the earlier recommendations focused on improving the culture of security and staff safety throughout local health districts and specialist networks; enhancing security governance, accountability and leadership; ensuring standardisation of security practices across the state; and considering patient models of care that help address security challenges.
Mr Park said the recommendations also covered building capability of staff to respond to situations involving aggression and violence; better defining the roles, responsibilities of hospital security staff; trialling the provision of defensive protective equipment for security staff in public hospitals; and supporting regional and rural facilities to enhance recruitment options for security staff.
