Stephen Bennett calls for good behaviour after shocking assaults at Bundaberg Hospital
A Queensland MP says Bundaberg Hospital workers are at “breaking point” as new figures reveal the number of assaults on staff, with some having to take leave as a direct result.
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Worrying statistics reveal more than one Bundaberg Hospital staff member is being assaulted a week as MPs call for residents to behave with respect when receiving care.
This year, 86 hospital workers have been victims of assault, with six receiving Work Cover because they can’t return to work.
Health minister Yvette D’Ath released the statistics in a response to a question on notice by Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
“This is not on,” Mr Bennett said.
“Abuse in any form cannot and should not be tolerated, especially in a hospital where staff are doing all they can to help.
“We know the Bundaberg base hospital is in crisis mode, there aren’t enough beds or staff, but that is never an excuse for violence.”
The hospital has been a political hot topic, with investigations into alleged misconduct as well as calls for the board and CEO to be sacked.
Mr Bennett said everyone deserved a safe work environment.
“(Hospital staff are) overrun, overworked, and are at breaking point,” he said.
“The state government needs to stop deflecting and hiding the truth.
“It’s time to take real action. It’s time to stop fudging the numbers and fix the serious crisis looming at the Bundaberg base hospital.”
With the holiday season upon us, Mr Bennett said it was important to treat staff with respect.
“Christmas and New Year’s is a stressful time and typically one of the busiest times in our hospitals,” he said.
“My plea to everyone this year is to please be patient, understanding, and respectful. Our frontline staff need to feel safe at work and respected.”
Mr Bennett thanked hospital workers.
Bundaberg MP Tom Smith agreed with Mr Bennett’s sentiments on the value of health workers, but hit out at his recent comments around the hospital.
“Our frontline health workers and all frontline workers are the absolute heroes and champions of our community,” Mr Smith said.
“Not only do our health workers deserve the respect of our community, but they have earned the respect of our community.
Mr Smith said the “silly season” often translated to more work for hospital staff with a likely increase in presentations to the Emergency Department.
“Respect for our frontline staff comes from the standards set by our community,” he said.
“When an elected member of parliament spends the best part of this year attacking and putting down our health workers it sets a standard lower than what should be given.
“For the LNP to make allegations of patients not being seen for 24 hours, of nurses committing criminal acts and suggesting a culture of mistreatment and cover-ups, and now calling to respect those very same workers is the height of hypocrisy.”
Mr Smith reiterated earlier calls for an apology from Mr Bennett.
“The Member for Burnett has still refused to apologise for the hurt and culture of fear that his words in recent weeks have created,” he said.
“When nurses are telling me that they feel unsafe in the workplace as a direct result of Mr Bennett’s comments, that is of great concern for how some members of our community may see the member’s comments as a green light to disrespect our hospital staff.
“Mr Bennett needs to learn that words matter, and his words need to be in the form of an apology for the hurt that he has caused.”
Mr Smith urged the community to treat workers with respect.
“I know that this Christmas season I will be joining the vast majority of our community in celebrating the effort, commitment and dedication of all our first responders and frontline health workers,” he said.
“Let’s show all of our frontline heroes just how much we appreciate all they do for us.”
A spokesperson for the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service also came out in support of its workers, urging anyone with concerns to report it.
“There is no place for violence in our hospitals and Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service has a zero-tolerance policy against violence towards staff, patients and visitors,” he said.
“Our dedicated staff come to work every day to care for the sick and injured within our community. There is never any excuse for violence toward those trying to deliver care.
“It is incredibly alarming that a number of staff have been the victims of physical assault while in their workplace this year, and we take these incidents seriously.”
The hospital service said it was dedicated to protecting staff in any way possible.
“We encourage anyone who witnesses any form of violence, including verbal abuse, to report it. Our switchboard teams can be contacted at any time by calling the following numbers,” they said.
– Bundaberg – 4150 222
– Hervey Bay – 4325 6666
– Maryborough – 4122 8222
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