Domestic violence survivor speaks out about patient attack on Port Lincoln Hospital staff which triggered PTSD

A domestic violence survivor who witnessed a patient attack at a major hospital is afraid to return saying strained staff couldn't provide the care she needed.

A domestic violence survivor is “reluctant” to ever return to her local hospital after witnessing a patient attack a nurse, triggering her post traumatic stress disorder.

Port Lincoln’s only hospital has been on high alert after a string of code blacks where staff have been the victim of patient violence.

Alex B, who agreed to speak under anonymity, was in the cubicle next to a patient who reportedly attacked hospital staff leading to him being shackled to his bed and sedated at the Port Lincoln Health and Hospital Service on October 15.

A man was shackled and sedated after attacking Port Lincoln Hospital staff, a patient has told. Picture: File

“His actions triggered my PTSD,” Alex B said.

“I have a long history of being in domestic violence relationships and I definitely did not feel safe.

“The incident sent me into a full blown panic attack.

“It was very confrontational.”

It highlights the reality of strained SA Heath services with Ms B blaming a lack of staff for the incident and criticising the support she was give at the time.

She said police officers were called to restrain the patient who was occupying the attention of the majority of hospital staff.

“At least one nurse knew I wasn’t doing well but none of them even checked on me,” she said.

“No one was being seen (by staff) for about four hours – more staff and security guards would be a good step.”

The attack was just one of numerous incidents at the hospital in recent months, which have triggering pleas from the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation for dedicated 24/7 security.

A Port Lincoln Hospital patient speaks out about a recent traumatic experience which sent her into a panic attack and triggered her PTSD. Picture: Micaela Stark

Questions have also been raised about a reportedly unused mental health ward at the hospital.

An Eyre and Far North Local Health Network representative said staff and patient safety was its highest concern.

“People aged over 16 years presenting to Port Lincoln Hospital with a mental health condition are admitted to inpatient beds in individual rooms and are provided care in a safe, protected environment,” they said.

“The recent incidents referred to by the ANMF have not resulted in our staff or patients being harmed and we have reached out to the ANMF to arrange a meeting to discuss their concerns directly.

“Discussions with staff and current information show there other, more suitable ways to support staff and patients than through simply employing security guards.”

SA Health remain under fire as healthcare staff shortages continue to overwhelm regional South Australia with Wudinna’s only doctor quitting earlier this month due to lack of support and services.

Grey federal member Rowan Ramsay and regional health minister Dr David Gillespie joined a virtual meeting with regional SA health professionals last week to discuss the crisis.

“There is a chronic shortage of doctors and other health professionals across regional SA and we are committed to finding solutions, but there is no easy fix,” Mr Ramsey said.