Decor blamed for riot on nurses

62 RECOMMENDATIONS: This follows a review into mental health facility following an attack by seven patients

chris.calcino@thechronicle.com.au COULD an antiseptic approach to interior decorating have triggered a violent attack on staff involving seven mentally ill patients at Baillie Henderson Hospital last year? Not entirely, but a “spartan” approach to interior design has been revealed as a contributing factor in an independent review of the circumstances leading up to the harrowing miniature riot.

The Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service commissioned the review after three nurses were attacked by seven patients of the complex’s medium-security Ridley Unit last January.

One nurse received a fractured eye socket in the assault.

Since the incident, 24-hour security has been implemented at the unit — a move the review recommended be maintained.

“The review makes 62 recommendations, mainly relating to clinical processes and carer and consumer engagement, all of which the DDHHS has agreed to implement,” chief executive officer Dr Peter Bristow said.

The review praised the immediate response of staff on site during the attack for “their swift and courageous actions”.

Dr Bristow said moves to improve the “relatively spartan”

When you are in a mental health facility for a long period of time it’s important to know that as your condition gets better, your future gets better.

furnishings of the ward would be undertaken to provide more visual stimulus to patients.

The action plan suggested an audit of the factors contributing to the length of patients’ stay within the Ridley Unit.

“When you are in a mental health facility for a long period of time, it’s important to know that as your condition gets better, your future gets better,” he said.

“I’m not saying that excuses the actions of the patients and we did involve the police very quickly.”

More attention to discharging patients back to their previous homes after recovery — its catchment area extends as far afield as Rockhampton — was also recommended.

Management will also be given extra scope for moving patients to more secure facilities if they believe them to be dangerous.

After the attack, two patients were moved to a high-security facility at Wacol.

Dr Bristow was adamant that the Ridley Unit would continue to play a major role in the hospital’s future.

“While there are changes happening at Baillie Henderson, the Ridley Unit will still be here,” he said.

Legal proceedings against the seven patients are under way.

See the recommendations at thechronicle.com.au.