27/3/03
Western Australian health services are moving to crack down on violent and aggressive behaviour towards hospital staff.
Health Minister Bob Kucera today launched two new initiatives designed to address all forms of workplace violence - from verbal abuse, bullying and intimidation to stalking and physical assault.
The first is a discussion paper on workplace aggressive behaviour and bullying.
The second is a new zero tolerance to patient and visitor-initiated workplace aggression policy designed for Royal Perth Hospital's emergency department.
Mr Kucera said a recent survey of RPH emergency department staff found 80 per cent were exposed to workplace violence on a daily or weekly basis, while 60 per cent of work-related injuries were the result of violence and aggression.
"There are a number of reasons why people take out their frustrations on staff - ranging from the effects of alcohol or drug use to fear over the health of a loved one or anger at having to wait longer than they would like for treatment when the ED is very busy," he said.
"Regardless of the reason, intimidation or violence against hospital staff is not on."
By law, patient and visitor aggression breaches both the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the WA Criminal Code.
Mr Kucera said the zero tolerance strategy developed by Royal Perth focussed on reducing risk to staff through the early identification of potential trouble-makers and ensuring they were kept informed in a bid to reduce their anxiety levels.
Under the new policy, RPH will maintain the right to deal with an aggressive or violent individual - keeping in mind their duty of care - by:
- refusing or restricting use of hospital services;
- requesting the person leave hospital property;
- removing the person from hospital property;
- restraining the person if he/she is considered a danger to hospital staff; and
- encouraging the affected staff members to request the police to formally charge the person if they are victims of assault.
Mr Kucera said the discussion paper on workplace aggressive behaviour and bullying - also launched today - provided several key recommendations to address workplace aggression throughout the public health system.
"Aggressive behaviour is affecting the delivery of health care globally and not surprisingly, the flow-on effect can and does eventually reach the community through standards of service and staff satisfaction," the Minister said.
"The discussion paper is designed to prompt community input into this very serious issue and will lead to broad strategies to deal with violence across the health system - wherever it occurs in the State."
Copies of the discussion paper can be downloaded at
http://www.health.wa.gov.au or via the Office of the Chief Nursing Office on 9222 4075.
Minister's office: 9213 7000
