Patient allegedly assaults guard at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital
The Health Services Union said its members are sick of being treated as punching bags after a security guard at the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital was allegedly assaulted by a patient.
The Express
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Police are waiting for an Eastwood man to be discharged before arresting him over the alleged assault of a male security guard at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, an incident which has angered the Health Services Union.
This is the second reported incident of an attack at the hospital in less than three months, with a NSW Ambulance female paramedic allegedly punched in the face by a patient on June 12.
The alleged incident last Thursday led the HSU to say “hospital workers are sick of being treated as punching bags,” and that more guards are needed.
A Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital spokeswoman said the situation was contained quickly by specially trained officials.
“Three security staff were treated for minor injuries and continued their shift,” she said.
Police said a 27-year-old man from Eastwood had been admitted to Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital about 6.30am on Thursday, August 22.
‘BEHAVED ERRATICALLY’
Bankstown police Acting Inspector Peter Campton told The Express the man was behaving erratically, forcing security guards to try and restrain him.
“It is alleged the 27-year-old man attacked and scratched a 48-year-old security guard on his face,” Inspector Campton said.
“The man was then sedated and has been transferred to Liverpool Hospital for further treatment.
“When he has finished treatment, police will arrest him and charge him with assaulting a security guard.”
The alleged attack is the seventh this month in a NSW hospital which prompted HSU members to go on strike earlier in August calling on the NSW Government to boost security.
“Across NSW almost 40 people are assaulted in hospitals each month,” HSU secretary Gerard Hayes said.
“Hospital workers are sick of being treated as punching bags.
“We urgently need another 250 security guards across the state with special constable powers and appropriate training.”
ROCK FISHERMAN MISSING SINCE SATURDAY
The hospital spokeswoman said they were following up with the staff involved should they require more support.
“While being mindful of the anxiety individuals can experience in a hospital setting, Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital does not tolerate aggression in any form to health staff, patients and visitors,” she said.
IN OTHER NEWS
The spokesman said $19 million has been spent in NSW hospital to improve security, including upgrading CCTV systems and installing remote locking to public access doors.
Staff in emergency departments are also required to wear to duress alarms.
”The NSW Government appointed Peter Anderson to review security in NSW hospitals … he is visiting every local health district and has met with hundreds of frontline staff,’ she said.
Mr Anderson’s report is due at the end of the year but Opposition spokesman for health Ryan Park said that would be too late for many health workers who are in danger each week in public hospitals.
Bankstown state Labor MP Tania Mihailuk said the community expects their local hospital to be a safe place for them, their families and the staff who take care of them.”
“Enough is enough, health workers and the public can’t wait until December for the Government to end the violence in our hospitals,” she said.