Friday, November 8, 2024

Two workers injured following alleged knife assault at Western Sydney hospital

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Four workers at a hospital in Sydney’s west have been injured following an alleged assault, with two confirmed to have been wounded by a knife.

At around 11:30pm on Friday night, police officers were called to Westmead Hospital after reports a man had assaulted staff.

According to NSW Police, officers were informed that a 39-year-old man had cut two security guards with a knife.

Both security guards are in a stable condition with minor wounds.

A third security guard was also injured following the assault, suffering a dislocated shoulder.

A fourth worker, a 29-year-old nurse, sustained minor injuries following the alleged assault.

NSW Police attended the hospital about 11.30pm on Friday.(ABC News)

The ABC understands that the man was a patient of the hospital and that all four staff were injured trying to subdue him.

According to a spokesperson from the Western Sydney Local Health District, there was no impact to other patients or patient care services. 

“All staff members are being provided ongoing support,” the spokesperson said.

Violence was ‘horrifying’

Health Services Union NSW secretary Gerard Hayes said this violence was “horrifying” and called for greater security numbers and powers at hospitals.

“We have argued consistently for greater security numbers and powers, and will continue to push for this and better personal protective equipment,” Mr Hayes said. 

“It is frustrating and mystifying that so many of the recommendations of the Anderson inquiry into hospital security are yet to be implemented.”

 Gerard Hayes from the Health Services Union NSW speaks to the media

Gerard Hayes from the HSU is calling for more security guards in hospitals.(ABC News)

Minister for Health Ryan Park said the government takes the safety of hospital staff seriously, and that recommendations from the Anderson Review were being implemented.

“I am always open to hearing suggested improvements towards making our hospitals safer for staff, patients and visitors,” he said in a statement.

“Healthcare staff have a right to come to work without being hurt or injured.

“And the NSW government is deeply committed to continuously improving the safety of our facilities as well as enhancing the available training and support.”

Public hospitals will next month be required to report their progress in measures to improve safety and security.

NSW Police say the alleged offender is under police guard and inquiries are ongoing.

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