Blood on Hospital's Hands

Date: 29 May 2000

Association Assistant Secretary, Craig Thomson today expressed his absolute disgust at the inaction of the WSAHS in relation to the security of patients and staff at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals.

WSAHS late last year withdrew the batons and handcuffs used by Security Officers in the course of their employment at Mount Druitt and Blacktown Hospitals and removed the Special Constable status of those Security Officers. The Association has continually said that this is an Area Health Service and hospitals that require Security Officers to have the outmost protection so that they can safely carry out their duty and so that patients and other staff members at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals remain safe.

Earlier this year a female Security Officer was attacked and had her uniform torn in an accident at Blacktown Hospital. Again the Area Health Service failed to act. Last night two Security officers at Blacktown Hospital were attacked and stabbed.

Assistant Secretary Craig Thomson said the Area Health Service now has "Blood on their hands' in relation to this incident in this matter. This is an unfortunate incident that we said would happen - it was not a matter of "if" but "when". The Area's decision to remove batons and handcuffs from the Security Officers was a disaster waiting to happen.

"Despite repeatedly telling the Area Health Service that staff, Security Officers and patients are in danger with the down-grading of security at this Hospital the Area Health Service would not listen. Mr Thomson went on to say "it's about time penny-pinching bureaucrats showed more concern for their staff and their patients than they do for their bottom line. This is an uncaring employer who has no regard for the safety of the employees and the members of the public in the Blacktown and Mount Druitt areas."

Stop work meetings will be held today with the union anticipating industrial action to follow as a result of the Area Health Services inaction.

The Association calls on the Department of Health to intervene immediately in this matter. Mr Thomson said: "How many more staff members or members of the public need to be stabbed before this Area Health Service will act in relation to this matter."

For further information

Contact:	Craig Thompson
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Phone:	0419 498691
WWW:	http://workers.labor.net.au/

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