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Lack of action by security

Posted By Disappointed Samaritan

"Lack of action by security"

About: Sydney / Sydney Eye Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a relative),

My brother in law and I had to go to the Eye Hospital as the day before he had several pieces of metal removed from his eye. They told him to come back if it got worse, it did.

We had waited for 3 hours to be seen by a doctor. But that is not the problem.

A homeless person entered acting erratically saying their bags were stolen, looking for food and pain medication. They stated several conditions they were suffering from. Security did nothing to remove them, and this person made the waiting room incredibly uncomfortable and unsafe for some of the younger people sitting waiting. 

Security is supposed to be protecting and creating a safe environment for sick people instead of hiding in their security hut, pandering to homeless people, offering them panadol.

Very disappointed and angry that nothing was done.

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Responses

Response from Jennie Barry, General Manager, Prince of Wales/Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital 6 years ago
Jennie Barry
General Manager,
Prince of Wales/Sydney/Sydney Eye Hospital

Submitted on 21/02/2018 at 11:18 AM
Published on Care Opinion at 1:32 PM

Dear Disappointed Samaritan,

Thank you for your feedback about your recent visit to the Sydney and Sydney Eye Hospital Emergency Department.

I understand that it can be confronting to witness unusual or erratic behaviour by other patients or visitors in Emergency Department waiting areas. Please be assured that our security staff are trained to deal with these situations and have skills in the de-escalation of this behaviour that they use, if they feel that other people are in danger at any time. Your feedback has been forwarded to the Security Manager for his information and to pass onto his staff.

I apologise if you felt uncomfortable or unsafe on this occasion. Please rest assured that your safety whilst in our Emergency Department is of the utmost importance to us, however we must always treat any person presenting to the hospital and asking for our assistance with dignity and respect, regardless of their living situation or unusual behaviour.

I trust that your brother-in-law's eye is now much improved.

Jennie

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