News

Security upgrade at MBH

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 12:06:00

SECURITY will be boosted at Mildura Base Hospital as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of staff and patients at all times.

Roving security guards will patrol the hospital and surrounding grounds as part of the improved security arrangements, beginning next month.

“We take the protection of our staff and patients very seriously at Mildura Base Hospital and we have had our own security presence for many years,” chief executive officer Julia Morgan said.

“By extending that presence and improving its visibility, we’re improving our ability to respond quickly when required and ensure everyone’s health and safety.”

The hospital security presence will be extended by ensuring clearly identifiable security guards have a visible presence on site at all times.

The security improvements were implemented after an independent review of security, undertaken in response to a state-wide trend of rising aggression among hospital patients and visitors.

Victorian Government research found about 95 per cent of healthcare workers have experienced some form of aggression or violence at work, ranging from verbal to physical with many more cases going unreported.

“Patients and staff can feel safer knowing there is that extra resource and assistance available when volatile or challenging situations arise,” Ms Morgan said.

Under the new security arrangements, Mildura Base Hospital has appointed a security company with experience in providing safe environments at other health services and hospitals across regional Victoria.

“While their focus will be on maintaining a safe environment for staff and patients, the security guards will also help manage the smoke-free site here at Mildura Base Hospital,” Ms Morgan said.

“This may mean they’ll be talking to people smoking on the hospital grounds and explaining to them the site is smoke-free, and why it’s an important priority for us.”