Cairns Hospital staff speak out about safety concerns

A veteran nurse at Cairns Hospital says staff are navigating violent and abusive patients, with some security doors only locking if there is a fire.

Staff have reported daily verbal abuse — including being called a “c---” — poor security, and ongoing parking challenges, saying safety concerns persist both inside the hospital and in the surrounding streets. Picture: Brendan Radke

A veteran nurse at Cairns Hospital says staff are navigating violent and abusive patients, with some security doors only locking if there is a fire.

The nurse, who asked to remain anonymous but has worked at the hospital for more than a decade, said staff were being forced to deal with abhorrent verbal abuse, poor security, and ongoing parking challenges.

The Cairns Post launched Operation Safe Zone earlier this month, calling for a free shuttle bus to off-site parking.

Cairns Hospital – Queensland Health – General, generic file photo. Picture: Brendan Radke

“People don’t see what happens inside,” the nurse told the Cairns Post.

“The parking situation outside is just the icing on the cake.”

Staff said people often loiter in the undercover area known as “E block,” where nurses must pass to get to their vehicles. There are also groups of people on the nearby high school lawn.

“The Cock and Bull pub near the hospital, is often surrounded by groups of intoxicated individuals,” the nurse said.

The Cairns Post has launched Operation Safe Zone in response to hospital staff’s safety concerns about walking to their cars at night, calling for off-site parking and a free shuttle service. Picture: Brendan Radke

The taverns is situated on Grove street, and is directly opposite the Cairns Hospital multi storey car park, known as the E block carpark.

Entry to the parking station is on Digger Street.

“If it’s raining, there’s people asleep under E block. If it’s not, they’re drinking on the grass,” one nurse said.

“We’ve had to move our cars closer before it gets dark and during our dinner breaks just to feel safer.”

While a shuttle services for off-site parking is being considered, staff also urge council and the hospital to enforce no-loitering zones around healthcare facilities at night.

Cock and Bull spokesman, Graham Johnston said the venue had several security measures in place, including on-site security staff until 5.30am and CCTV surveillance.

“The area is well illuminated,” he said.

He added intoxicated patrons were not permitted entry, and the venue does not sell takeaway alcohol.

Mr Johnston said the carpark near the tavern was well used by hospital staff.

Staff told the Cairns Post other safety concerns are the entrance doors in D-block on the south side have never had the ability to be locked properly despite repeated requests for these to be fixed and internal reports made. Picture: Brendan Radke

A spokesman for Cairns Regional Council said the area was a public recreational space, and as such could be accessed by all.

“Council engages security and city safe personal to assist in the security of high-profile council assets and city centre,” he said.

“They work with police, who have authority to move people on, but must have reasonable cause before doing so.”

Meanwhile, the entrance doors in D block on the south side have never had the ability to be locked despite repeated requests, staff say.

“For the last 12 years or so entry doors in D block to each ward — on multiple floors — have never locked,” a staff member said.

“Staff have raised concerns, but they’ve been told it’s too expensive to fix or replace.

“We can’t lock anybody out, which is absolutely terrifying.”

Another staffer reported a colleague was punched on Christmas Eve while on another occasion a man had to be locked in a staffroom where he destroyed five computers during a violent outburst.

CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh said the hospital had recently replaced the main fire doors at D block entrances, however, they must stay open under normal conditions and are designed to close only in the event of a fire to contain smoke and flames.

Cock and Bull, spokesman, Graham Johnston, said the venue has several security measures in place, including on-site security staff until 5:30am and CCTV surveillance. Picture: Brendan Radke

CHHHS chief executive Leena Singh said new fire doors have been installed at D-Block, but they remain open under normal conditions and only close during a fire to contain smoke and flames. Picture: Brendan Radke

She added work had started on the installation of a new set of security doors at the entrance to each ward on the northern side of D-Block.

“These glass doors are being installed a few metres inside the fire door and there will be intercom access,” Ms Singh said.

“The first glass security doors on the fourth floor ward is currently being commissioned and the rest will be complete in coming months.”

CHHHS offers a free shuttle service to take staff to cars parked around the hospital and security guards to walk them to their cars. But staff say it isn’t enough, and neither measure if available frequently.

“We’re not asking for luxury — we just want to feel safe,” the nurse said.

“One day, something really bad is going to happen, and only then will they care.”

Originally published as Cairns Hospital staff speak out about safety concerns