Round the clock security will be in place at Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital to provide more support to healthcare workers.
The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) Governing Board has announced a decision to boost security at the hospitals, following a spate of violent incidents at both hospitals and active campaigning by the SA branch of the Australian and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).
“This announcement is a great win for the safety of staff, patients and visitors at the two hospitals,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary AdjAssociate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
Recruitment will start shortly on full-time, restraint-trained security guards at the facility, along with the Riverland General Hospital in Berri.
In the interim, both hospitals will have contracted security guards during peak periods of demand.
The Local Health Network will commission an independent security review for both hospitals in partnership with staff and unions, which will inform security arrangements.
Chief Executive Officer, Wayne Champion, said the RMCLHN has listened to the concerns raised by unions and staff and made the decision to implement full-time security personnel at both hospitals as soon as practicable.
“We are committed to providing a safe working environment for our staff, patients, and visitors in our hospitals and this is why the RMCLHN Governing Board have decided to put in place permanent security personnel as soon as possible,” RMCLHN Wayne Champion said.
The State Government has now introduced 24/7 security guards at hospitals at Port Lincoln and Wallaroo, Port Pirie is set to start in coming weeks and there is an increased security presence at Mount Gambier.
