MOUNT Gambier Hospital nurses and midwives have called on the State Government to address violence and aggression at the public health facility.
Around 50 nurses wore stickers on Friday to highlight what they claim is the absence of a plan to address violence and security arrangements.
The campaign was part of a statewide movement to pressure the Marshall State Government to introduce sweeping security measures at major health facilities.
Despite dozens of code black incidents, the Mount Gambier Hospital has yet to introduce specific full-time security personnel at the site.
But according to hospital management, it has contracted staff who are “trained to deal with security incidents” on site at all times.
It is understood the use of crystal methamphetamine – commonly known as ice – is fuelling violence and aggression in the emergency department, which attracts more than 20,000 patients each year.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation SA Branch chief executive officer Elizabeth Dabars said she was proud of the Mount Gambier nurses for taking a stand on this critical issue.
She claimed the government had been providing “lip service” on the issue and had no strategic plan to boost the safety of staff.
Ms Dabars said the issue of security had plagued the Mount Gambier Hospital for some years.
While the government had formed a statewide steering group, she described this as just “window dressing” and “more of the same.”
She said the union and hundreds of its members wanted tangible and strategic action across all health centres.
“Our members are telling us they are tired of looking over their shoulder wondering if they are going to be assaulted,” Ms Dabars told The Border Watch this week.
“They are also concerned for the safety of patients and visitors, who are also potentially at risk.”
“The State Government has yet to commit to our 10-point plan, but we hope the premier and the government will see sense.”
She said 10-point blueprint was based on the Victorian-based strategic security plan, which had the support of its government.
“The ad hoc reaction to this issue from the South Australian Liberal Government is inadequate,” the union leader said.
She said this included the government’s response to the stabbing of a health employee at the Lyell McEwin Hospital.
While the union was open to discussing or altering the 10-point plan, it claimed worksite action would continue until the government stepped up to protect its health care employees.
“This on-the-ground action will progress through every Local Health Network in the public system until the State Government makes a firm commitment to act on measures that reflect the principles of the anti-violence plan successfully operating in Victoria,” Ms Dabars said.
“We gave the State Government a blueprint to address violence almost a year ago, yet the only commitment they have given to us is the establishment of a new committee.
“Nurses and midwives need and deserve a lot more than that. The community in their care deserves a lot more than that.”
Limestone Coast Local Health Network governing board chair Grant King said yesterday the board was “aware” of the publicity surrounding the security issue.
He said there had been some “discussion” regarding security and the board was awaiting a report.
The Mount Gambier Hospital is part of a statewide steering group tasked with canvassing the security issue.
