SYDNEY, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Western Australian (WA) hospital staff will soon receive stab-proof vests and duress alarms to give them extra protection from violent and drug affected patients.
State Minister for Health Roger Cook announced on Sunday that the WA government has committed 2.2 million Australian dollars (1.7 million U.S. dollars) towards protective equipment for frontline health and security staff in major hospitals and other health institutions, to address increasing levels of violence and aggression.
During 2016-2017, more than 11,000 incidents of violence and aggression were reported.
Over the next three years, around 250 anti-stab vests will be provided to over 2,500 personal with mobile duress alarms also on offer for health workers to reduce the risk of injury during home visits and remote area travel.
"Frontline health workers perform a vital service in our community, so it is essential we do all we can to ensure their safety," Cook Said in a statement.
"The purchase of this equipment will complement a range of other security measures in place to enhance the safety of the work environment for these highly-valued workers."
According to Cook, the security needs of high-risk sites such as tertiary hospital emergency departments, mental health institutions and maternity wards will be addressed in 2018-2019, with additional protective equipment to be rolled out at other sites in subsequent years.
While workers unions have supported the move, they are highly concerned about the problem of drugs such as ice (methamphetamine) in the state and have called for wider action from the community.
"Dealing with violent and drug affected patients can be very dangerous for security officers and clinical staff," Health Services Union WA secretary Dan Hill told Xinhua Monday.
"Security Officers are particularly at risk as they attempt to control violent situations, restrain patients and protect other staff and patients."
"Any measure that increases the safety of staff and patients is to be commended but adequate security staffing levels in areas of high risk need to be reviewed."