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"Attention by staff in the ward"

About: Fiona Stanley Hospital / State Rehabilitation Service Wards A&B, Wards 1A& 2A

(as a relative),

A family member is in a room with two beds and there is one AIN on duty at all times to watch over two patients at once. Both patients are confused and distressed at times, and both are falls risk patients who may attempt to get out of bed, pull out feeding tubes, or do other potentially dangerous things. 

I have spent many hours in this room and have witnessed in more than one occasion that the AIN has been playing on their phone - seemingly answering personal messages, watching funny videos, or otherwise distracting themselves from their duty. 

One time a patient was nearly half way over the bed's side guard rail in an attempt to get out of bed. The AIN was too involved with watching a video to notice so I had to loudly interrupt the nurse and bring their attention to the dangerous situation that had evolved through her lack of attention. 

This is only one of many times and AIN has been distracted by their phone.  I'm disgusted to say the least. I believe that my family member is not safe if this is the standard of care from those who are there to supposedly keep patients from harming themselves.

Why are these staff members seemingly allowed to have their personal phones on them while on duty? Shouldn't they be locked in the staff room? And why should anyone be paid for personal time on their phone while on duty? A very serious duty at that, in my opinion.

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Responses

Response from Luke Dix, Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, South Metropolitan Health Service 3 weeks ago
Luke Dix
Acting Executive Director, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group,
South Metropolitan Health Service
Submitted on 23/06/2026 at 4:14 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia at 4:28 PM


picture of Luke Dix

Dear dancehc35,

Thank you for taking the time to raise your concerns with us. I was sorry to hear about the poor behaviour of our staff and the possible risk to patient safety. Staff are expected to use mobile personal devices in a professional, responsible and ethical manner, which should never compromise clinical care. Where possible personal use should be limited to scheduled breaks. Therefore, it is incredibly disappointing to hear of your experience, especially in a situation where AIN staff are being used to support patients with special needs.

Please know that I have ensured that your concerns have been shared with Senior Management in our State Rehabilitation Service (SRS) who will discuss directly with their teams, including reinforcing appropriate use of mobile devices in the workplace.

Should you have any other concerns or feedback in the future please know you can report this directly to the Nursing Shift Coordination on the ward who will follow up as a matter of priority,

As Care Opinion is anonymous, I am unable to review this situation in more detail, or investigate specific concerns raised in your post. If you feel comfortable to do so, please contact our Patient and Family Liaison Service on (08) 6152 4013 or via email at FSHFeedback@health.wa.gov.au so we can learn more and follow up with your feedback appropriately.

Thank you again for sharing your experience.

Kind regards,

Luke Dix

A/Executive Director

Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group

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