The Minns Labor Government will recruit an additional 129 full time equivalent frontline security staff, which will result in full time security across 27 hospitals across the state.
The recruitment is part of a $113 million investment, the culmination of ongoing engagement and work with unions and the health workforce.
Since 2023, the Minns Labor Government has recruited 180 security staff at NSW public hospitals – a 13 per cent increase.
NSW Health facilities already have several key strategies in place to support the prevention and management of violence. This includes:
- early recognition and management of a patient at risk of escalating behaviour
- making risk related information is available to all relevant staff
- Safety huddles at the commencement of each shift
- Proactive security staff patrolling
- enabling staff to summon assistance
- limiting unauthorised access by individuals to clinical areas
- Closed circuit television monitoring in high risk areas
- Extensive violence prevention and management education for staff
The NSW Government has also established a NSW Health Safety Taskforce, made up of representatives from NSW Health, heath unions and local health districts. The Taskforce will focus on identifying measures to further enhance safety for staff, patients, and visitors across the NSW public health system.
Quotes attributable to Health Minister Ryan Park:
“Violence in our hospitals is unacceptable – accounts of these incidents are distressing and we are determined to clamp down on these occurrences.
“We have made significant efforts to improve security at our hospitals over the past three and a half years.
“Today, I can announce we are boosting these efforts by recruiting a further cohort of frontline security staff- a first step in an ongoing effort to improve safety and we will continue to work closely with the HSU.
Quotes attributable to NSW Health Services Union Secretary Gerard Hayes:
“Emergency Departments are the main gateway to patients entering our health system and our one of the busiest areas that can lead to incidents of aggression and violence.
“This first step is a positive one but our members need to have more support and the ability to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.
“We look forward to working with the NSW Government to ensure our members can protect staff, patients and visitors into the future.
