Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
HEALTH Minister Stephen Wade yesterday spoke with staff regarding safety issues at Mount Gambier Hospital, including its emergency department.
This follows staff and patients raising the alarm over the lack of security at the emergency department, which sees around 20,000 people each year come through its doors.
A number of violence-related incidents triggered an influential doctors association in October to call for the presence of on-site security personnel to be stepped up.
At the moment, security guards are only used sporadically and police are called in during “code black” incidents.
Figures released by the hospital show there were nearly 30 code black incidents at the hospital between July and October this year.
Code black refers to incidents where staff or patients feel under threat from violence.
It is understood the use of crystal methamphetamine – commonly known as ice – is fuelling violence and aggression in the emergency department.
Mr Wade said he wanted to speak personally with staff before making any decisions about whether security should be enhanced.
“I have been aware staff safety has been an issue,” Mr Wade told The Border Watch yesterday.
He said it was paramount he discussed these issues with staff who were on the frontline of services.
Mr Wade revealed security guards were called in during busy periods or in response to particular episodes.
“It is always important that we listen to staff concerns and in particular I was keen to speak to them about staff safety,” Mr Wade said.
“My understanding is there has been a particular focus in the emergency department, which is true of any hospital right across South Australia.
“I want to hear what staff think will have the greatest impact.”
He said safety issues were being fuelled by some people attending the hospital in an “agitated state”, under the influence of substances or presenting with mental health issues.
“But my understanding is the code blacks – which are the hospitals response to the threat of violence to staff or patients – have actually decreased compared with the previous year,” the minister said.
However, he said violence would not be “tolerated” in the hospital and staff needed to be reassured and confident when they came to work they would be supported to stay safe.
“We will be keen to listen to suggestions on what may make a difference,” he said.
“For example, my understanding is that staff often have concerns about going to and from their car at night.
“The experience of staff at Mount Gambier will be different to other hospitals and we would be keen to hear what their particular concerns are.
“People need to be able to respect the health professionals who are providing care to them and we will support our health professionals to pursue both complaints and police prosecution if that is what they want to do.”
Asked if he was pleased with the overall running of the hospital, he said the establishment of a regional board would improve services.
“We are certainly optimistic through the board governance approach that what is a good service will be even better,” the minister said.
He said the board’s membership would be finalised by early next year.
