State cash to combat hospital violence

three separate grants in the latest round of Health Service Violence Prevention Fund initiatives, the largest of which was $191,572.

It will be spent on the installation of a wireless infrared mobile duress system in Geelong Hospital’s emergency department and inpatient wards.

A separate $127,000 grant will fund the installation of an after-hours swipe card access system in 11 of the hospital’s non-secure acute inpatient wards.

The Swanston Centre received $115,033 for its acute inpatient unit to be spent on eight new CCTV cameras in three courtyards and six domed mirrors to eliminate blind spots.

It will also fund changes to the reception office, remodelling of the internal courtyard and the creation of a family/interview room.

Barwon Health CEO Professor Ruth Salom said the funding would address areas where improved security measures were most needed.

“Increasingly, healthcare workers are confronted with violence and aggression on the job and we are committed to implementing strategies and modifying infrastructure to re- duce and eliminate risks,” she said.

Ms Hennessy said it is estimated that up to 95 per cent of healthcare workers have experienced physical or verbal attacks while on the job.

“The unpredictable nature of many patients, particularly those affected by mental health challenges and drug and alcohol issues, has meant that for too long and too many instances our healthcare workers have faced occupational violence and aggression,” she said.

Member for Lara John Eren also welcomed the funding announcement. these