THE Riverland’s local health network is planning a raft of security upgrades for hospitals and health services in the region, as the medical workforce faces violent and abusive incidents.
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) CEO Wayne Champion said total security system replacements were planned for Berri, Barmera and Renmark hospitals, while funding has been approved to upgrade security at Loxton and Waikerie.
Design, development and planning is expected to be complete by mid-2021.
Mr Champion said a range of security measures had been incorporated across facilities in the RMCLHN.
“This includes access to security when required to the Riverland General Hospital… and sites in the Riverland (are) also able to access local security personnel,” he said.
“In the event that an individual consumer is assessed to be a risk to staff or to themselves, a security company or additional staff are secured to oversee the individual consumer on a one-to-one basis or to be a presence on site.
“SAPOL also provide additional support whenever needed and are very responsive to local hospital needs.
“Additional support for staff includes emergency and nurse assist call bell buttons in all rooms, well-established and practiced response procedures, duress alarms, swipe card or pin code access, security cameras at entry points, Management of Actual and Potential Aggression and Recognising and Responding to Challenging Behaviour training and the RMCLHN Challenging Behaviour working group.
“The safety of our staff and patients is always our top priority and any acts of intentional violence and aggression within our hospital are not tolerated.”
Mr Champion said the RMCLHN was still searching for workers to staff the Waikerie Hospital’s birthing services, which have been suspended indefinitely.
“Our number one priority in the provision of birthing services is always the health, safety and wellbeing of both mother and baby,” he said.
“We are continuing our efforts to recruit the specialised staff we need to provide safe birthing services at the Waikerie Hospital.
“Until we can successfully complete this recruitment, birthing services will remain suspended.
“Shared care antenatal and postnatal community services will continue to be available during this time.”
The service was suspended earlier this year due to an “unplanned shortage” of nursing and midwifery staff.
Birthing services require a GP obstetrician, GP anaesthetist, and a 24/7 roster of midwives and operating theatre staff to provide safe care in the event of an emergency.
The RMCLHN is working with MEDSTAR, SA Ambulance Service, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Riverland General Hospital and Loxton Hospital to help provide access to safe birthing services, with five local women being assisted to arrange alternative birthing locations earlier this year.