News

Mildura Base Hospital gets proactive on violence

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 14:27:00

Mildura Base Hospital is implementing a project aimed at reducing incidents of violence and aggression against its staff.

The Hospital Safety and Security Project has been prompted by state-wide Worksafe and Department of Health initiatives and is being implemented from this month.
MBH Director of Nursing Simone Heald said the hospital averaged a “Code Black” incident (a patient being abusive or aggressive) every seven to 10 days.
“At the very least, these incidents are challenging and upsetting for staff, but in some cases there have been physical injuries or lasting psychological effects on our staff members,” Ms Heald said.
“We need to be able to respond as a team to both the medical conditions and concerns of patients and visitors, but at the same time ensure the safety of our staff, other patients and visitors.”
The Department of Health is recording more incidents of aggression and/or violence in hospitals than ever before and expects the trend will continue to increase, due to an ageing population, rising alcohol consumption and the emergence of drugs such as ice.
The MBH project has streamlined hospital Code systems and procedures so that staff can co-ordinate effective responses to situations that arise.  A hospital-wide training program is also being rolled out on the prevention and management of aggressive behaviours. 
“Hospital staff are becoming acutely aware of impending threats to their safety, which may come from anywhere, perhaps triggered by illness, pain, alcohol or drugs,” Mrs Heald said.
“Problems often arise when patients or visitors present under the influence, are frustrated or are reacting with aggression to their own medical or mental health issues,” she said.
“All of our staff are receiving training that centres around managing violent and aggressive behaviours.  It’s helping us to learn how to better deal with the little old lady who sometimes shows great strength in her delirium, or the new patient in Emergency who is shouting, punching and kicking, perhaps after taking an illicit substance.
“We know violence can have an ongoing impact on staff in their daily work, so we have also ensured debriefing and counselling services are provided as needed.”
She said the hospital would not hesitate to press charges against anyone who behaves with criminal intent towards staff or other patients and visitors.
Ms Heald said the additional training would also increase the confidence of both new and existing staff in managing challenges as they arose.
“To anyone considering a job in the health field, we would certainly encourage you and reassure you of the fabulous rewards that come with health careers,” Mrs Heald said.
“Doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are a big family of caring professionals who take their job seriously, have such ability and deal with so much in the course of their daily jobs that they certainly deserve all the support we can provide.
“They really are satisfying, if a sometimes challenging roles, but I certainly would not consider doing anything else. Whatever we can do to ensure the safety of all our staff reflects the value we as a community and as an employer have for them.
“We will always ensure that anyone requiring assistance is cared for medically and try to assist and address any issues and concerns.  But we need the general public to understand the full consequences of anti-social behaviour and ask that they take responsibility.”