A staff member at Palmerston North Hospital got knocked out cold on the same night a nurse got held up at gunpoint. Wild, right? Senior hospital staff are saying it’s like a daily dose of violence and aggression for them. They’re on edge, feeling threatened and unsafe. To make matters worse, they’re calling for beefed-up power for hospital security. Health NZ claims they’ve been stepping up security measures in recent weeks, but is it enough?
David Goldstone, a NZ Nurses Organisation delegate, spilled the beans about the chaos that went down. On that fateful night, another colleague got a serious head injury. Ouch. According to Goldstone, it’s like a daily soap opera of abuse and assaults. “I’ve been there for 22 years, and nothing’s changed in 22 years. People think they can get away with whatever they want,” he moaned. Dorothy Mostofian, another delegate, added to the horror show, saying not a single soul at the hospital leaves their shift unscathed. Spitting, threats, and verbal assaults are all part of the daily grind.
Just when you think it can’t get any worse, a nurse’s car becomes a crime scene. A man hops in, points a gun, and tells her to drive. Luckily, she managed to escape unharmed. Police are still on the case. Mostofian wasn’t impressed by the recent boost in security, claiming that even with extra guards, they’re spread thin across the hospital. It’s like a game of musical chairs, but with security guards. Dr. Thomas Carter, from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, warned that staff might start ghosting work if they keep feeling at risk.
In response to the gunpoint incident, the hospital beefed up security. They added two more guards to escort workers to their cars and let staff park closer to the building. But in reality, most don’t have time for that. Instead, they buddy up for safety or have partners pick them up. Victoria Richards, a delegate, thought the two guards weren’t cutting it. Better lighting, top-notch security cameras, and a secure car park exclusively for staff are what they want. They even met with Palmerston North MP Tangi Utikere to air their grievances and push for more power for security staff.
Utikere promised to chat with Health NZ about the safety concerns. Sarah Fenwick, from Health NZ, assured everyone that they’re committed to staff safety. Measures like security escorts and increased security on the premises have been put in place. They’re even opening up access to the staff car park for those working late shifts. It’s like a step in the right direction, right?
At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure the real heroes – the hospital staff – feel safe and secure. Let’s hope these new measures make a real difference. But who knows, right? It’s a tough world out there, especially for those on the front lines of healthcare. Stay safe, Palmerston North Hospital staff. You’re the real MVPs.