Following a number of assaults on Barwon Health staff members entering and leaving the hospital, the ANMF has delivered a proposal to Barwon Health management urging immediate action to ensure the safety of staff.
An example of the increasing occupational violence and aggression (OVA) that health care providers are experiencing is the recent assault of two Barwon Health midwives going to their cars after finishing their PM shift. The midwives were going to their cars together due to existing safety concerns and in line with Barwon Health’s advice.
An ANMF members meeting was held at Barwon Health shortly after this incident to hear directly from members about the issues, explore solutions and develop a clear plan moving forward. The ANMF also escalated the incident to WorkSafe to investigate, to the Department of Health and the Minister for Health’s office and pledges to continue to raise these safety concerns through all possible avenues.
As a result of the members’ meeting a proposal was developed and presented to Barwon health by the ANMF. The proposal identifies existing risk controls that have proven ineffective and calls for them to be urgently reviewed and revised. The proposal goes on to recommend risk controls including:
-
allocation of parking close to the hospital for afternoon and late shifts with restricted access and a review of existing surround parking sites that could be utilised by Barwon Health staff in partnership with local organisations
-
a review and urgent increase in security personnel, with clarity on security’s role in supporting staff members when finishing sifts an after-hours and including security escorts for staff who finish work at irregular hours overnight/early morning hours and cannot move their cars during shift and cannot walk in pairs
-
monitored CCTV in all carparks, stairwells and areas outside the hospital exits
-
emergency duress buttons in car parks and mobile duress devices for on-call staff and areas where incidents commonly occur, with security required to respond
-
the immediate reinstatement of the staff safety shuttle bus to transport staff and students to and from their vehicles in carparks regularly utilised by Barwon health staff
-
hospital wide safety alerts via text message following incidents or reports of hazards affecting the access or egress from the workplace
-
that Barwon Health liaise directly with Victoria Police around these safety matters
-
that Barwon Health implement a real-time OVA reporting system to complement the RiskMan reporting system
Barwon Health has provided a response to the member’s proposal and confirmed its commitment to work with ANMF and its members on these important safety matters.
Health care and emergency workers report increases in violence and aggression from members of the public, with multiple recent incidents reported in previous SafetyNet editions here and here and here.
Addressing violence and aggression against nurses, midwives and carers is an ANMF priority. The ANMF 'Zero Tolerance' OVA policy was developed in response to concerns expressed by nurses and reported to the union, that acts of violence and aggression from patient/clients or others, in their workplaces are increasing. Supporting their Zero Tolerance policy, the ANMF’s 10 point plan to end violence and aggression provides practical evidence-based steps for a cultural and organisational response to prevent violence and aggression.
The ANMF encourages all nurses, midwives and carers to report every instance of OVA. Members can find guidance and links at Reporting OVA incidents: it’s got to be done! – On the Record and Completing a Riskman: Practical Tips – On the Record.