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Lack of security within waiting room and outside hospital fr...

Posted By slidecs73

"Lack of security within waiting room and outside hospital front."

About: Kalgoorlie Health Campus / Emergency Department

(as a parent/guardian),

I visited Kalgoorlie emergency recently one evening by myself with 2 young children (a toddler and an infant) in need of care for my infant. We were faced with what I felt was disgusting behaviour by other patients within the wait room. Whilst moved into triage quickly this became a matter of locking us in due to the nature of carry on in the waiting room from those people. My toddler was terrified and I was left to comfort both when in a time of medical need.

Upon leaving emergency at 2am I was left to exit myself with my young children. I feared for my life speed walking us back to the car not even wanting to spare the time to buckle my children in for road safety for me to get inside the vehicle lock the doors and drive off - FAST.

A group of people were within and exiting an abandon house opposite the hospital where they are congregating hurling abuse and passing the street to come at myself, making me feel like my life was in danger. I voiced to my partner I’m never going to ED again. To then I’m asked if my life or children’s lives need medical help I am refusing to aid because of the actions outside and inside the hospital and apparent lack of care by security ? Yes. I believe that is completely unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

Upon further inspection the next day when visiting ED again for same medical assistance the house is boarded up and fenced, the fence is moved with access by foot there is rubbish and damages. 

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Responses

Response from Margaret Smillie, A/District Director, Northern Goldfields, WA Country Health Service 2 weeks ago
We have made a change
Margaret Smillie
A/District Director, Northern Goldfields,
WA Country Health Service

Submitted on 28/07/2026 at 12:41 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 29/07/2026 at 4:50 PM

Dear slidecs73

Thank you for sharing your experience regarding your recent visits to the Emergency Department (ED).

I am sorry to hear that you and your children felt unsafe and distressed during your attendance. Attending the ED alone with a toddler and infant is challenging, and it is concerning that the behaviour of others in the waiting area caused fear and anxiety for both you and your child.

While I note that staff acted promptly to move you into a safer area, I acknowledge that this did not alleviate your concerns, particularly when leaving the hospital in the early hours of the morning. It is disappointing to hear that you felt unsupported and that this experience has impacted your willingness to seek emergency care in the future.

Your feedback is a reminder that, while our staff have become accustomed to managing challenging behaviours from some patients attending the ED, not all patients and visitors are familiar with these situations. We will remind staff of the importance of taking the time to explain what may be occurring within the department and to provide reassurance where appropriate.

Your concerns regarding security arrangements and the activity occurring at the vacant property opposite the hospital have been followed up. I have contacted WA Police and the Shire, who have subsequently made contact with the property owner to ensure the premises are secured. In addition, we have spoken with the ED and security teams to reinforce the importance of responding promptly to concerning behaviours in and around the hospital. Staff have also been reminded that if visitors feel unsafe leaving the hospital due to a disturbance outside, they should be encouraged to remain within the waiting area while assistance is sought and, where required, police are contacted.

Thank you for bringing these matters to our attention. We regret the distress caused to you and your children and appreciate your feedback, as it helps us improve the experience and safety of our patients, visitors and staff.

Kind regards

Margaret Smillie
A/District Director
Northern Goldfields

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