An emergency department nurse was punched by a patient with dementia and 45 other Peel Health Campus hospital staff had been assaulted by patients in the past year, according to Health Minister Roger Cook.
Mr Cook responded to four questions asked by Dawesville MP Zak Kirkup on March 13, 2018 in parliament, relating to assaults on Peel Health Campus staff since June 27, 2017.
Mr Cook said the assaults in this time were on nurses (29), medical (1) and other staff (16).
Three hospital staff received medical attention after being assaulted.
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Mr Cook said 216 staff members were threatened with assault in this time.
Nurse and Midwife Support engagement manager Mark Aitken said hospital staff members should not be assaulted at work.
“It is essential workplaces adopt a zero tolerance approach to occupational violence, and show strong leadership on this issue,” he said.
“Clear occupational health and safety procedures, staff training and comprehensive incident reporting should all be held in high regard.”
Mr Kirkup said the figures were “alarming”.
“All the staff at Peel Health Campus do an amazing job in a very challenging, resource constrained environment,” he said.
“These figures are alarming and I think the Minister for Health needs to outline exactly what he is going to do to better protect the staff at Peel Health Campus.”
Acting Minister for Health Stephen Dawson said hospital staff performed a vital role in our community.
“Acts of violence or aggression are simply not acceptable,” he said.
“Counselling and support is available to any staff member who has been a victim of violence.”
Ramsay Health Care, that manages Peel Health Campus, responded to the high number of staff assaults.
“The safety of our patients and staff is always our top priority and abusive or violent behaviour anywhere on the campus is not tolerated,” the spokeswoman said.
“All patients, staff and visitors have a right to feel safe in our hospital, and we endeavour to provide a safe and caring environment for everyone.
“We have a significant security presence on site 24 hours a day and our frontline staff are trained in defusing and de-escalating aggression.
“A debrief process is available for staff and they also have access to free counselling through our Employee Assistance Program.”
Any nurses and midwifes that need confidential support are encouraged to call 1800 667 877 or visit www.nmsupport.org.au.
Carla Hildebrandt
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
Journalist at the Mandurah Mail
