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Care Opinion

Security concerns

Posted By Unknown 1

"Security concerns"

About: Broome Health Campus / Emergency Department

(as a carer),

My sibling had been treated by staff in the ER. We were waiting out the front for my spouse to pick us up during the afternoon.

We were approached by a person who asked if I went to church and I responded no. It then continued to escalate to the point where they said they were going to bash me. This person proceeded to swear and verbally abuse us as we re-entered the hospital. I walked back through the ER door. The receptionist asked if we were ok and I said we needed help. The staff walked out to the waiting room and put their arm around the abusive person.

Security arrived not long after to escort them out of the hospital. Upon re-entering, the receptionist turned to me and said the abusive person's name, implying they have done this before. The receptionist then said, they don't know your face.

I was appalled that this type of behaviour was tolerated. My sibling continued to be treated over the course of the week. During this time I visited them frequently. At no time did I feel safe entering or exiting the hospital. It’s a very uneasy feeling when security is required on the ward 24/7 to care for patients.

I thank the staff for everything they did to care for my sibling. We could not fault their care. 

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Responses

Response from Wendy McKinley, Operations Manager, Broome Hospital 4 years ago
Wendy McKinley
Operations Manager,
Broome Hospital

Submitted on 17/10/2019 at 6:54 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 18/10/2019 at 9:47 AM

Dear Unknown 1,

Thank you for your post. I am really sorry that you did not feel safe when visiting at the hospital. I understand that this would have been quite a frightening experience, and all whilst dealing with the stress of helping your sick sibling! I hope they are doing well now?

We encourage our staff and security services to deescalate behaviour where possible. Our experience tells us that people are less inclined to become aggressive when we take a compassionate approach to dealing with their behaviour.

We are aware that many community members have their own personal challenges (health, disability, mental health, social and emotional etc) and we are committed to providing everyone with the care they need, but our accommodation of people with behavioural difficulties should not impact consumer or staff safety.

I can assure you that the security presence on-site is not restricted to the Ward. If a security officer needs to be stationed in the Ward, we call in an additional officer specifically for that purpose.

I would be very happy to speak with you about your experience and our security services more broadly. If you would like to contact me, I am available on 0417 987 724 or email wendy.mckinley@health.wa.gov.au

Thank you, again.

Sincerely

Wendy

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