Gosford Hospital scare after man becomes aggressive with staff

The NSW Health Services Union says an incident where a man threatened staff at Gosford Hospital on New Year’s Day supports its fears about the safety of a new patient help desk.

Outside view of Gosford Hospitals new 11 storey tower.

• Previous story: Strike over safety concerns on help desk
• Police investigate shot fired into Blue Haven House
• Health warning after person with measles visits shops, cafes

The NSW Health Services Union says a security scare at Gosford Hospital on New Year’s Day supports its safety fears around a new patient inquiry desk.

Union Secretary Gerard Hayes said the hospital patient inquiries desk went into lockdown after an abusive and aggressive patient from the Intensive Care Unit approached staff.

Police eventually had to be called to deal with the situation.

Mr Hayes said the man came to the patient inquiries counter at 11.20am on New Year’s Day demanding the return of his wallet, which had been handed in when he was admitted to the hospital.

“The patient was abusive towards staff, and banging his fists on the desk,” Mr Hayes said.

“He then lent over the counter, forcing the staff to take evasive action.

Health Services Union boss Gerard Hayes. Picture: Hollie Adams/The Australian.

“The roller door above the counter had to be closed to protect staff. Security staff were called, but they were unable to de-escalate the situation.

“Police Officers then arrived at approximately 11.40am, and the man was escorted off the hospital grounds.”

Mr Hayes said the incident again demonstrated the need for basic security measures to be put in place at both the current temporary patient inquiries counter and the new counter being built as part of the Gosford Hospital redevelopment.

“There is one very straightforward New Year’s resolution that Gosford Hospital staff would like management to commit to: installing a safety screen at the patient inquiries counter.

“It’s not that hard, and not that expensive, but it would provide invaluable peace of mind for the staff who work on the counter.

“As yesterday’s incident has shown, working on the patient inquiries counter can be stressful and potentially dangerous.

Tweed Hospital. Picture: Jerad Williams

“This incident comes just days after a man wielding a large kitchen knife ran wild in the Emergency Department of the Tweed Hospital, causing workers and patients to flee the building.

“Hospital workers have to deal with patients and visitors who can be distressed, emotional and sometimes under the influence of drugs or alcohol — so it is essential that suitable security measures are put in place.”

The latest incident comes after hospital workers voted to shut down the counter over ongoing safety concerns in December.

Central Coast Local Health District acting chief executive Kate Lyons said the patient was being escorted by staff to collect his belongings at the time.

“No one was injured in the incident,” she said.

“The safety and care of our staff, public and visitors is always our top priority.

“Risk assessments have been carried out by CCLHD security and also work health and

safety experts to ensure the new main entry and patient inquiries area meet all the required

safety and security standards for public spaces in hospitals.”

She said the hospital was continuing to consult with staff and representatives of the HSU around the safety of its public areas.

“Across NSW, $19 million has been invested in improving security at public hospitals,” Ms Lyons said.

“A $583,000 emergency departments security and duress alarms upgrade was completed at

CCLHD in December last year. The security workforce at Gosford Hospital has also

increased, with an additional security officer rostered on each shift.”