MEMBER for Mount Gambier Troy Bell has called for an urgent review into security at the city’s hospital amid “alarming” claims a nurse was recently threatened with a knife.
The incident has prompted Mr Bell to again call for security guards to maintain a presence at the public health facility and for a full review into security requirements.
The Border Watch has also been contacted by concerned residents this week over the lack of security at the facility following a number of incidents at the hospital.
“I find these new claims at the hospital quite alarming and disturbing,” Mr Bell told The Border Watch yesterday.
Mr Bell revealed he was contacted by a concerned resident about the latest alleged incident.
But hospital management yesterday rejected claims a staff member had been threatened with a knife and described the facility as “safe and secure”.
“It is not true that a man threatened staff with a knife or smashed windows in the emergency department,” a hospital spokesperson said yesterday.
However, Mr Bell stood by his call for greater security at the hospital.
“It just beggars belief to my mind the high dependency unit, the emergency department and the general hospital doesn’t have tight security,” the politician said.
He said he had received reports people affected by drugs were presenting to the hospital’s emergency department.
“That can be a very scary situation if it is an ice-fuelled psychosis,” Mr Bell said.
“We need to make sure we have a safe working environment for community members and staff at the hospital.”
The MP suggested the lack of tight security could be linked to budget cuts or financial restraints within the public health system.
“But we are a large regional centre and many people present to Mount Gambier Hospital with complex issues, which is no different to a metropolitan hospital,” he said.
“We need to be treated fairly and equitably in the South East – I call on the State Government to increase funding for security at the hospital.”
He also warned the lack of security was tying up police resources, which were already over-stretched.
His comments come 12 months after he called for greater security at the hospital following an incident in the high dependency unit.
This related to a stranger entering the unsecured high dependency unit, undressing himself and intimidating staff.
Country Health SA regional director Jayne Downs said in a statement yesterday the facility was a” safe and secure hospital” and any breaches of security were dealt with appropriately.
“Patients suffering from some conditions occasionally present to the hospital in an agitated, confused or distressed state,” Ms Downs said.
“Any patients or visitors to the hospital who aren’t suffering from these conditions and who choose to be behave in an unacceptable manner will not be tolerated and all hospital staff are trained in techniques to manage such situations.”
The hospital chief said private security officers were used to provide “specific services” when required.
“We have a safety learning system that allows staff to report hazards, risks, incidents, patient complaints and compliments,” Ms Downs said.
“Each comment is reviewed and improvements identified and actioned.
“Hospital orderlies and patient services assistants provide a range of services, including moving patients around the hospital, cleaning, locking and unlocking doors and moving goods, and working as part of the emergency department team.
“They are not security officers.”
According to Country Health SA, the hospital has video surveillance and secure swipe card access to non-public external doors and areas such as the emergency department treatment area and ambulance entry.
There is restricted public access after hours and staff have access to a secure car park after hours.
Duress alarms and other hospital systems are available to call additional staff to an area to help with de-escalation and management of a situation.
SA Police is called when they are needed to intervene in situations when appropriate.
