Punches thrown, doors smashed in hospital attack on nurses at Riverland Hospital

Nurses “ducked punches and projectiles” from a berserk patient in an alarming attack at a country hospital that left staff shaken and entry doors damaged.

Emergency Department staff at Riverland General Hospital at Berri were attacked by a violent patient who started throwing punches at them, before hurling chairs and repeatedly hitting entry doors until they cracked, with no security guard on site.

Nurses on the night shift were forced to call SA Police at 4am on Monday while “ducking punches and projectiles” and await their arrival where the man was apprehended and transferred to Adelaide for treatment.

Damaged doors at Riverland Hospital after a violent incident with a patient. Pictures supplied by ANMF.

The alarming incident comes as the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation SA Branch continues to urge authorities to implement 24/7 restraint-trained security guards at the Berri hospital, with 960 people signing an online petition to date.

Earlier this week, The Advertiser reported SA Health data revealing more than 76,000 Code Black incidents had occurred across South Australian hospitals from 2016 to April this year.

Federation chief executive Elizabeth Dabars said action was needed to ensure nurses were safe in the workplace.

Elizabeth Dabars, ANMF (SA Branch) CEO-Secretary. Picture: Greg Adams

“Nurses have been left feeling shaken after enduring what was likely a completely avoidable traumatising event, had security guards been in place,” said Ms Dabars.

“This is exactly why we have been crying out for action to end violence and aggression in hospitals – nurses and other emergency staff deserve better than to be at the mercy of the availability of local police to reach the hospital before situations escalate out of control.”

Union representatives visited the hospital on Wednesday under relevant legislation to speak with members about the incident.

Officials say it is the latest in a spate of recent attacks involving regional hospitals, including in February when a man had to be tasered four times by police after smashing multiple glass panels at Wallaroo Hospital around midnight after terrorising staff, and patients.

Ms Dabars discussed the matter of violence and aggression with Health Minister Chris Picton as recently as last week.

“Sluggish bureaucracy is to blame for a failure to implement the 10-Point Plan to End Violence and Aggression, which has been endorsed by the state government,” she said.

“We need action now – before our members are subjected to the next terrifying incident.”

Mr Dabars has also written to State Attorney-General Kyam Maher seeking his support in making occupational health safety and welfare a Key Performance Indicator for public sector chief executives and is also lobbying for the right to prosecute employers for breach of Work Health and Safety laws.

Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network chief executive Wayne Champion said: “We have a zero tolerance for violence and aggression, and are committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients and visitors in all our hospitals.

“Off-site contracted security guards are available to respond 24/7 when required. Riverland General Hospital can also request assistance from SA Police when needed.

“There have been very few incidents of violence towards staff at the Hospital and we continue to respond quickly to any incidents.”