Medical staff call for security help 25,000 times in two years
Violent patients and families in SA’s hospitals are spiralling out of control with besieged medical staff calling for help from security staff more than 25,000 times in the past two years.
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Besieged medical staff have called for help from security officers 25,000 times in the past two years as patient and family behaviour has turned violent.
The 25,035 Code Black calls from public medical facilities across the state from June 2017 to August 2019 were triggered by dangerous incidents ranging from:
■ Patients or families being violent towards staff and threatening self-harm
■ People fighting in waiting rooms
■ Strangers trespassing.
Code Blacks are also a preventive measure used to de-escalate a situation, before a violent incident occurs, and one patient may account for multiple calls.
In a frightening incident this month an out of control rampage at Ceduna Hospital saw the emergency department trashed.
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network stands out as an alarming case of escalating violence.
Two years ago it was dealing with around 30 Code Black calls a month. In June 2019 alone it recorded 142 calls for help including 60 of patients threatening staff or other people and 80 cases of self-harm.
It had a total of 1112 Code Black calls from June 2017 to August 2019.
The Royal Adelaide Hospital recorded 7089 calls in that period, followed by Flinders Medical Centre with 5019, Lyell McEwin with 4273 and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with 2102.
Modbury had 924 alerts while Noarlunga had 733 — almost all in the past year after virtually none the previous year.
Officials are taking new action to head off such incidents and give staff further training in handling tense situations.
Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) Executive Director of Nursing & Patient Experience, Catherine McKenna said acts of intentional violence or aggression toward hospital staff are unacceptable.
“In an effort to address challenging behaviours across CALHN sites, a Complex Behaviours Committee has been formed to provide an action focused governance structure that responds to patient and staff concerns about behaviours,” she said.
“During July, forums were held with more than 180 nurses in high prevalence areas to seek feedback on the issues being experienced in managing complex behaviour and inform future planning.
“A number of initiatives are being finalised and implemented over the coming months including training programs, strengthening existing systems to respond to agitation early, consumer focus groups to understand the patient and family perspective and safety zones in all ward areas.
“In addition to a Nurse Consultant, two Clinical Nurses will commence in November to lead the Behavioural Assessment and Response Team, supporting the development of early prevention plans and strengthening relationships with security staff in responding to Code Blacks to minimise escalating behaviours.”
The calls for help varied across the state. Among regional hospitals:
■ Port Augusta had 78 Code Blacks in two years
■ Port Pirie 50
■ Whyalla 46
■ Gawler 16
■ Port Lincoln nine
■ Mt Barker eight
■ Kangaroo Island seven
■ Wallaroo six
■ Murray Bridge three
■ Mt Gambier, Victor Harbor, Tailem Bend and Mt Pleasant each had two.
Many facilities recorded only one call in the two years, such as Berri, Barmera, Coober Pedy, Hawker, Kapunda, Kimba, Strathalbyn, Tanunda and Yorketown.
Mental health facilities recorded dozens to hundreds of calls.
The figures cover more than 60 health facilities across the state including the SA Dental Service which recorded 15 Code Black calls, mental health facilities and aged care homes.
Revelation of the figures come as the nurses union has launched a campaign demanding action on violence towards nurses.
The campaign includes an advertising blitz accusing Premier Steven Marshall of doing “absolutely nothing” about violence towards nurses.
However, SA Health has provided The Advertiser with a two page list of recent initiatives including more security guards, more CCTV, improved lighting, tree trimming, new response teams, training for staff to de-escalate tricky situations, duress alarms, escort guards taking nurses to parked cars and reviews of sites.
This month SA Health established a steering committee of nurses and midwives with a focus on improving safety.
SA Health Chief Nurse Jennifer Hurley said: “Our number one priority is to provide a safe environment for our staff, patients and their families and any act of violence or aggression is inexcusable and will not be tolerated.”