Security guards will be stationed 24 hours a day, seven days a week at Port Pirie and Wallaroo hospitals as soon as possible.
The decision to put round-the-clock security in place was made by the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Governing Board at last Wednesday's Governing Board Meeting following extensive consultation with staff, the community and visits to Wallaroo and Port Pirie Hospitals.
This follows the introduction of a 24/7 security presence at hospitals in Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln since the Malinauskas Labor Government was elected last year.
Security guards will initially be put in place at Port Pirie and Wallaroo for six months, during which time the Security Working Group will be expanded to include union representation. An ongoing security model will be developed during this time to be implemented long-term.
The introduction of security guards is another improvement to security arrangements at Yorke and Northern's hospitals this year following several code black incidents involving elderly patients.
The Security Working Group – made up of staff, executives and other representatives - has already improved physical hospital spaces and CCTV as part of its review. Duress alarms and a range of training have also been provided for staff.
As put by Chris Picton
I fully support the Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Governing Board implementing round-the-clock security guards at the Port Pirie and Wallaroo hospitals.
This is on the back of 24/7 security guards being installed at the Mount Gambier and Port Lincoln hospitals, both of which occurred under the Malinauskas Labor Government.
We will continue to work with other regional areas and take their concerns about hospital security seriously.
Nothing is more important than the safety of our hard-working doctors, nurses and ambos who play a vital role in their communities.
As put by Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Chief Executive Officer, Roger Kirchner
Over the past few months our Security Working Group has been putting in place improved security measures across all of our sites – ranging from better de-escalation training to duress alarms and the physical environments at the hospital.
Our staff have told us security guards will further enhance safety – and we're listening.
We will look to put security guards in place at Wallaroo and Port Pirie Hospital as soon as possible.
As put by Yorke and Northern Local Health Network Board Chair, John Voumard
The Board has weighed up all available evidence and believe it is worth trialling a 24/7 security guard service at Wallaroo and Port Pirie Hospitals.
Nothing is more important than making certain we are offering high-quality care to patients in a safe environment for everyone.
