A special investigation has uncovered an alarming number of deadly weapons being smuggled into Sydney’s emergency departments, with terrified staff discovering knives, machetes and even guns in what experts say is an unprecedented safety crisis.
The violence has become so severe that a high-level hospital safety taskforce has been established, led by SafeWork NSW, following a blitz of 33 emergency departments that resulted in 42 notices to improve.
Among the shocking discoveries were a homemade shotgun complete with ammunition brought into Blacktown Hospital, and a credit card gun confiscated at Lismore this month. Hospital security guards have also seized secateurs, meat cleavers, a machete and a saw in recent months.
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“The violence you see out in the street on your 6 o’clock news, most of that ends up in hospital,” hospital security guard Bruce Rowling said. “Our EDs have never been more dangerous.”
Healthcare workers are reporting unprecedented levels of violence, with staff experiencing “punching, kicking, swearing, threats against our lives, being followed to our cars.”
“Healthcare workers are not punching bags, nor should they be,” NSW health minister Ryan Park said, with nurses and security staff left bruised and under constant attack.
Blades and a credit card gun are among the weapons seized in NSW hospitals. Credit: 7NEWS The Minns Government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis, with officials saying they are “taking this very, very seriously.”
“They go there to look after patients at their worst, often the worst day of their life. The government is taking action,” Park added.
Statistics reveal 40 per cent of health workers report being exposed to violent or traumatic events at work, prompting calls for urgent reform.
The Health Services Union is pushing for new laws giving hospital security guards more power to move on dangerous people before they strike, as they currently rely on police intervention.
A trial of body-worn cameras for security guards is showing promise, with experts estimating they could decrease violence in hospitals by between five and 15 per cent.
The taskforce represents a serious step forward, but unions want more security officers, dedicated emergency room officers and additional personal protective equipment for staff.
A 2020 review had highlighted the need to explore capsicum spray and even stab-proof vests for hospital workers. That review was ordered after a shooting at Nepean Hospital that left a security officer and police officer injured.
“Otherwise, we literally will be putting a bandaid on a patient that’s bleeding out, and our health workers will continue being targeted,” the HSU’s Gerard Hayes said.