Security guards will soon be stationed at Mount Barker District Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network (BHFLHN) has made the decision to implement round-the-clock security after feedback from staff about the rise in presentations along with the changing nature of the type of presentations to the hospital.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation of SA (ANMF SA) has been calling for increased protection for staff following reports of “escalating violence and aggression” faced by nurses.
The ANMF SA has also successfully petitioned the State Government to have 24/7 security presence at hospitals in Mount Gambier, Berri, Murray Bridge, Port Pirie, Wallaroo and Port Lincoln.
The presence of 24/7 security guards at Mount Barker will be available for the entire site and not fixed in a particular location.
Security company MSS has been contracted to supply restraint trained guards, with work underway to determine the scope of their duties.
