Healthcare workers and patients are being put at risk by a shocking lack of security staff at Scone Hospital.
It has been revealed Health & Security Assistants, who perform both security and ward person roles, are only rostered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings and five afternoons a week.
This means our healthcare heroes and patients are left without any protection from violent patients at the hospital for the majority of the week.
Health Services Union NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes has slammed the NSW Government for allowing this to happen and is calling for security staff to be in place at Scone Hospital at all times.
"There is a constant risk of violence at hospitals due to drug and alcohol affected patients as well as those suffering from mental health issues. That is why it is essential for security staff to be in place at all times," Mr Hayes said.
"It is not good enough to have security staff on for just three nights of the week and some afternoons with the hope local police officers can fill the void.
"There are also no adequate facilities to isolate violent patients while staff wait for police to arrive.
"Those who live and work in regional areas should expect the same level of protection as Sydney hospitals.
"Safety at work is a basic right and healthcare workers, as well as the public, deserve more from the NSW Government."
