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Encounter with an aggressive patient

Posted By dracoyh78

"Encounter with an aggressive patient"

About: Busselton Health Campus

(as a relative),

I was attending Busselton hospital recently with my child to visit a relative, and whilst I was passing the desk we were approached by an individual who seemed very angry and aggressive.

I recall they were swearing and waving their fists at the people they passed. I was just standing minding my own business when it appeared they waved their fist towards my child. Luckily there was another person there to stand in their way but I believe if they hadn’t, I don’t know what might have happened.

Why are patients who are threatening people allowed to do this especially towards children?

At the time, I was in shock and didn’t say anything but after having time to think about it, I’m disgusted that patients are allowed to threaten the Public when visiting family.

I feel this is disgusting and shouldn’t be happening and I will think twice about visiting there again.

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Responses

Response from Ruth Young, Acting Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery, Busselton Hospital, WACHS South West 2 years ago
Ruth Young
Acting Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery, Busselton Hospital,
WACHS South West

Submitted on 7/05/2021 at 6:10 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 10/05/2021 at 9:15 AM

Dear dracoyh78,

Thank you for providing feedback on your recent experience whilst visiting a relative at Busselton Health Campus. I am so sorry that you and your child were subjected to behaviours that have clearly shocked and frightened you.

Busselton Health Campus have a duty of care to all of our patients, visitors and staff. Admission of patients who, due to their illness, have difficulty understanding their environment, do have clinical and environmental management plans implemented to keep the patients, staff and visitors safe. The plans we put in place may need adjustment, from time to time, depending on how the patient responds.

When there are patients admitted who may present a risk to themselves, or others, we do allocate additional resources to reduce the risk of harm, including 24-hour security personnel and one on one specialling and support.

I am advised that, when the distressed patient approached you and your little one, the security officer positioned themselves between yourselves and the patient, to help de-escalate the situation and to ensure your safety. I apologise that on this occasion, we were unable to prevent the interaction.

Following your experience, we have sought further expert clinical advice and guidance related to caring for patients who are not coping in the hospital environment. These recommendations are designed to help reduce the likelihood of further behaviours similar to those that you and your child experienced.

Once again I am very sorry for the experience you had whilst visiting our facility. It is extremely important to us that we provide a safe environment for all and I do hope that you will feel comfortable to visit Busselton Health Campus again. If we can assist to provide your child with a better experience, such as a special child orientated tour, and provide reassurance to your little one, please let me know.

I would be more than happy to discuss this further with you if you would like to contact me on 0439 971 683.

Kind regards,

Ruth.

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