AU Nurses Demand Safer Work Conditions

The Australian Nursing Federation has petitioned the government to increase safety measures at the Launceston General Hospital psychiatric Ward 1E. Due to the number of violent assaults on staff, the following adaptations are requested: Staff shall be notified when a client with a history of violent behavior was to be admitted; all admissions are assessed through the emergency department and not just dropped off at the door of 1E with no warning; and the high dependency unit should be staffed with at least two people at all times. There were additional requests surrounding 24-hour security and the appropriate training of the response team. The Federation fears that if these measures are not adopted, it will lead to senior and highly qualified nurses leaving the unit.