Over a 12 month period between June 2017 and June 2018, there were 24 assaults at on staff, patients or visitors at Campbelltown Hospital.
The figure was the fifth highest of any hospital throughout the state.
In the previous year there were 20 reported assaults at the hospital.
According to the figures obtained by NSW Labor, the number of assaults at neighbouring Liverpool Hospital fell from 33 to 26 in the past 12 months.
The figures have outraged local MP Greg Warren, who said today that they showed the urgent need for additional security in our hospitals.
“One assault is one too many. Twenty-four in one year is simply disgraceful and not something our community should have to accept,’’ said the Member for Campbelltown.
“Staff at our hospitals shouldn’t have to fear for their safety, they should simply be focused on treating those in need.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Patients, their families and friends also shouldn’t have to fear for the welfare while inside Campbelltown Hospital – they have enough to worry about.[/social_quote]
“It concerns me there have been so many incidents over the past two years yet this Liberal state government has done absolutely nothing to address the issue.
“Labor’s commitment to hire 250 extra security staff will make a real difference at hospitals like Campbelltown.”
Last week NSW Labor committed to hiring an extra 250 security staff at hospitals throughout the state, should the party win the March 23, 2019 state election.
The additional 250 staff is part of NSW Labor’s four-point plan to increase security at the state’s hospitals. The plan also includes upgrading security staffs’ powers, similar to special constables who carry batons and pepper spray; providing more training for security staff; and creating a specialist Secure Hospitals Unit within NSW Health to oversee activity of security staff and to conduct audits.
“This will provide another vital layer of protection for our hard working staff at Campbelltown Hospital,’’ Mr Warren said.
“It will ease the worries of staff and allow them to concentrate on treating patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.’’
Agreed. Definitely need more and better security in hospitals particularly Campbelltown. Nurses, doctors and patients should not have to be in fear even after being admitted to emergency. ?
Lindsey Dickie
Jais Lilly