A recent string of violent incidents at Palmerston North Hospital has left staff feeling frightened and unsafe. On one night, a nurse was held at gunpoint while leaving work, and another staff member was knocked unconscious. Hospital senior staff report that incidents of abuse and assault towards health workers are a daily occurrence, with little consequence for the perpetrators.
In response to these alarming events, hospital staff are advocating for security guards to have additional powers to restrain violent individuals, similar to the protocols in place at courts and Parliament. Nurses Organisation delegates, David Goldstone and Dorothy Mostofian, highlight the pervasive nature of aggression towards healthcare workers, emphasizing the urgent need for improved security measures.
Despite recent efforts to enhance security in emergency departments, including the addition of extra guards, many staff members remain at risk. Dr. Thomas Carter, representing the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, warns that the ongoing threat of violence could deter healthcare professionals from coming to work.
In light of these concerns, hospital management has introduced temporary measures to increase staff safety, such as providing security escorts to vehicles and improving lighting in parking areas. However, staff members are calling for more permanent solutions, including a secure carpark exclusively for hospital workers.
Local MP Tangi Utikere has pledged to address these safety issues with Health NZ MidCentral operations group, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the wellbeing of healthcare workers. Sarah Fenwick, the group’s director, acknowledges the unsettling nature of the recent incidents and assures that measures are being taken to prioritize staff safety.
