Deb Frecklington calls for hospital security after Frank Harrison shot and charged
A Queensland MP is renewing calls for permanent security at a country town’s hospital as the identity of an alleged knife-wielding man shot by police in the emergency department is revealed.
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A South Burnett politician is demanding tighter security at a country hospital after a violent incident in which police shot a man allegedly armed with a knife in the emergency department.
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington has increased her calls for permanent security at Kingaroy Hospital after 59-year-old Kingaroy man, Frank Harrison, was allegedly armed with a knife and shot by police in the hospital’s emergency department on August 9.
Police were called to the hospital about 7.20pm in response to reports of Mr Harrison wielding a knife.
Upon arrival, Mr Harrison allegedly threatened the officers, leading to a tense confrontation during which police opened fire and wounded him.
He received immediate medical attention at the scene and was flown to a Sunshine Coast hospital.
No officers were physically injured during the incident.
Following the incident, Mr Harrison, who remains in hospital, was charged with one count of going armed to cause fear and three counts of serious assault on a police officer.
He was issued a notice to appear in the Kingaroy Magistrates Court on October 18.
Ms Frecklington, who has long advocated for increased security measures at the Kingaroy Hospital, stressed the urgency of the situation.
“The serious incident at the Kingaroy emergency department reinforces the need for permanent security at Kingaroy Hospital,” Ms Frecklington said.
“On behalf of the hospital staff and patients, it is about time their safety was prioritised.”
Ms Frecklington also raised the issue in parliament, pressing the Health Minister Shannon Fentiman for answers.
She has asked for clarification on three key points: the number of code black emergency codes issued at Kingaroy Hospital from 2019 to the present, whether there is permanent security within the emergency department and what security arrangements are in place for the entire hospital.
“This week in parliament, I have asked the health minister about the security arrangements at the hospital and I will keep advocating for full-time security in the emergency department and throughout the hospital,” Ms Frecklington said.
Ms Frecklington also acknowledged the hospital staff and police for their professional handling of the situation.
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