Flinders Private Hospital: security guards available to nurses, path upgraded

Increased security measures, including lighting upgrades and access to security guards, are now in place following a lengthy campaign for improved safety around the Flinders hospitals.

Flinders Private Hospital staff now have access to security guards after raising safety concerns with the hospital.

In January, The Messenger reported that staff felt unsafe walking along a dimly-lit path to their cars.

A footpath, along Main South Rd in Bedford Park, used by the hospital staff to reach the carpark was closed for a number of weeks to allow for work on the $125 million Flinders Link Rail Project.

At the time, a nurse, who asked to remain anonymous, said closing the path had left her afraid for the safety of her and her colleagues.

The Transport Department later announced it would keep the path open during works on the project.

Labor MP for Hurtle Vale Nat Cook - who is also a registered nurse - worked with staff to campaign for the path to be reopened and upgraded with additional lighting and pothole repairs.

“As a nurse myself I’m very aware of the fear experienced walking to your car in the dark after a late shift,” Ms Cook said.

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“Now the staff can do so with pot holes filled and additional lighting in place.”

Flinders Private Hospital has now made a security guard available to walk staff to their cars between 7.30pm and 11.3pm on weekdays.

“The management at Flinders Private Hospital have been very supportive of their staff and the activism that has now led to security guards also assisting with the journey to the car park,” Ms Cook said.

“A very pleasing outcome for all workers that use this car park.”

Flinders Private Hospital has been contacted for comment.