By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
NURSES say a state government grant of $75,000 for security measures won’t prevent the regular bouts of violence at south-eastern hospital emergency departments.
Last week, Health Minister David Davis announced extra CCTV cameras, a monitor, an intercom and door-locking system at Dandenong Hospital emergency department.
Monash Medical Centre Clayton’s emergency department security camera system will be upgraded and Casey Hospital will receive 12 portable phones with personal duress alarms.
But Australian Nursing Federation state secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said one-off funding for CCTVs and duress alarms just “assists around the edges”.
She said the government should make good on its support for a 2011 state committee recommendation — and a $21 million election promise — for extra security.
“We’re tired of the government just trying to be seen to be doing something. We want action.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said negotiations with Monash Health to reinstate a male nurse recently demoted for tackling an aggressive intruder in the Dandenong Hospital emergency department had broken down. She said the matter would be taken to an arbitration hearing at Fair Work Commission.
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