- Cook Government invests almost half a million dollars to establish state-of-the-art remote monitoring security hub for regional hospitals
- 24/7 hub to support frontline staff at seven pilot sites with more to be added this year
- This investment forms part of the Cook Government's commitment to stopping violence against healthcare staff
The Cook Government has invested $484,000 to establish a dedicated, state-of-the-art security hub for hospitals in regional Western Australia.
Operating out of a state-wide CCTV Operations Room, specialist closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology will enable real-time support for some of regional WA's most isolated hospitals and health services.
Operated by security personnel, it's anticipated the around-the-clock service will enhance safety and deter antisocial behaviour at hospitals while providing greater support for on-the-ground healthcare staff.
The security hub has been co-located within the WA Country Health Service Command Centre - adding to the list of specialist support provided to frontline doctors and nurses.
Kununurra, Hedland, Karratha, Meekatharra, Collie, Bridgetown, and Halls Creek have been selected as part of the pilot with further sites to be added throughout 2024.
The advanced security monitoring builds upon existing security measures such as on-the-ground CCTV and security personnel, duress alarms and access control systems.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Any kind of aggressive behaviour towards healthcare staff is completely unacceptable and the State Government remains committed to doing all we can to keep staff safe at work.
"This specialised technology will be operated around-the-clock by security specialists and will provide another layer of security for our frontline healthcare workers.
"Security specialists in the CCTV Operations Room will be able to help identify threats early and assist to de-escalate these incidents.
"They will also liaise directly with WA Police and ensure additional support is deployed when and where it is needed."
