"Pathwest staff and patients potentially in danger."

Firstly, I am very grateful for the care and expertise of our public hospital system in WA.  I have blood tests monthly before treatment for my health condition.  In the last few months I have become aware of patients who attend Pathwest Rockingham branch being agitated and pacing, vocal and frightening.  I am aware that these patients are being tested for substance abuse under regulations/guidelines of the Corrections Dept.  I feel afraid for myself at times, but more so for aged and very sick patients who have to wait in this environment and the staff who have to collect the samples - especially accompanying Corrections patients to the toilet for urine samples. 

Recently when I attended, two staff were working with a backlog of patients waiting - at least 12 when I arrived.  I waited 1 hour and 20 minutes.  The main reason for the extended wait time on this occasion, in my opinion, was that only one staff member of the two was working efficiently.  We were all feeling the pressure of the long wait time - 3 patients left to come back another day, others were speaking of their impatience. 

The point of my writing is, had there been Corrections patients waiting in an agitated state, there could have been an incident of violence involving staff and other patients in response to the wait time. 

Firstly, this situation could have been avoided if both nurses were working efficiently or if more staff have been available.

Substance abuse is a fact of life today, however, the medical system must take steps to protect staff and patients.  Might I suggest Corrections patients have their samples taken at the nearest Corrections facility. Or, that any agitated Corrections patient be accompanied by the hospital security staff while on hospital grounds for these tests.