Union calls on NSW Premier Chris Minns to intervene after knife incidents at Westmead Hospital

Doctors at a busy Sydney hospital are pleading for help after two knife-related incidents in just three days.

Staff at a western Sydney hospital are pleading for Premier Chris Minns to intervene after two knife-related incidents in just three days.

Clinical staff at Westmead Hospital were allegedly threatened by a patient armed with a shiv on November 22, prompting an evacuation of the waiting room and the dispatching of armed police, according to the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation.

Just two days later, a high-risk prisoner from Silverwater prison was at the hospital when a shiv allegedly fell out of his clothing during assessment.

ASMOF NSW president Nicholas Spooner said doctors were told the man had already been searched.

“That is a catastrophic safety failure by any standard,” he said.

The incidents come more than a year after three security guards and a nurse were allegedly attacked by a knife-wielding man at the hospital.

The Union claims NSW Health has ignored repeated warnings and failed to conduct a safety review after the attack.

They worry it is only a matter of time before another staff member or patient is injured.

“The emergency department cannot function safely in these conditions. These incidents are not rare,” Dr Spooner said.

“Edged weapons have now been found on multiple patients in a matter of days.

“We cannot keep pretending this is normal.”

The doctor’s union called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to intervene. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Dr Spooner and the union are calling on the Premier to urgently intervene to protect staff and patients at Westmead ED.

“With two knife-related incidents in three days, it’s clear that doctors working in the emergency department and their patients are dangerously exposed to extreme violence,” he said.

“What has infuriated members most is that they’ve informed NSW Health of their concerns and risks over an extended period of time, and once again, nothing has been done.

“Doctors are going to work every day without even the most basic protections against violence, and that is completely unacceptable.

“Our members are telling us they feel powerless and abandoned. Nothing has changed since the last stabbing in June 2024, except that the danger has escalated.”

The union is calling for an immediate safety review of the Westmead ED “focused on protecting staff and patients from violent offenders”.

They also want increased NSW Health security personnel trained and equipped to manage violent incidents, the provision of stab-proof vests and gloves for frontline staff, metal detectors, and additional clinical and support staff to manage high risk or distressed patients and families.

“Every day without action is another day where someone’s life is at risk. Westmead is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. Staff need real protection, not more consultation. We know exactly what is required.”

Opposition leader and shadow spokesperson for health Kellie Sloane said two knife-related incidents in three days was “not a warning, it’s a failure”.

“No one in NSW should walk into a hospital fearing for their safety. Healthcare staff deserve better,” she said.

The Union claims NSW Health has ignored repeated warnings at Westmead Hospital. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard

In a statement, Health Minister Ryan Park said the incidents were deeply concerning.

“Everyone has a right to a safe workplace,” he said.

“Staff and patient safety at our hospitals is a top priority.

“It’s one of the reasons we’re trialling a body worn security camera trial at selected hospitals, including at Westmead, which began in August.”

Mr Park said the state government had instituted a range of measures across the health system, including ongoing risk assessments, patient management plans, multi-disciplinary Code Black (duress) response teams, as well as lockdown arrangements and personal mobile and fixed duress alarms.

The Western Sydney Local Health District confirmed no patients or staff were injured during the November 22 incident, and safety was the number one priority.

“On Saturday, November 22, staff and security responded to an incident and NSW Police assisted to maintain everyone’s safety,” a spokesperson said.

“In addition, support was provided to all staff involved in the incident as well as people in the waiting room.

NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane said the incidents were a ‘failure’. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

“A review of the incident is underway.”

The spokesperson said a comprehensive work health and safety risk assessment, and review was undertaken after the June 2024 incident.

“As a result of this review a number of measures have been implemented, including regular ED staff discussion on security issues, fixed and duress alarm audits and staff lockdown training. These measures are in addition to those already in place in the hospital,” they said.

“In addition, Westmead Hospital is participating in NSW government’s body worn camera trial until May 2026 to determine how effective the presence of cameras is at deterring and de-escalating violent incidents and will be independently evaluated once completed.

“Other strategies to ensure the safest possible environment for staff, patients and visitors in hospitals include security and clinical staff training in de-escalation, patient experience officers to support people in the waiting rooms, personal duress alarms, and CCTV.”

Premier Chris Minns has been sought for comment.

Originally published as Union calls on NSW Premier Chris Minns to intervene after knife incidents at Westmead Hospital