Key Takeaways:
- 168 verbal assaults on security staff, 109 on facilities staff, and 65 in Rotorua Hospital’s Emergency Department were recorded.
- 140 physical assaults on health staff occurred, with 59 happening in Rotorua Hospital’s acute mental health unit.
- Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals recorded 477 verbal assaults and 467 physical assaults on health staff.
- 50 assaults required medical intervention for injuries, including bruising, abrasions, bites, sprains/strains, concussion, and dislocation.
- Healthcare staff are often subjected to verbal abuse, particularly in high-pressure environments like emergency departments.
Introduction to the Issue
The healthcare industry is facing a significant problem with verbal and physical assaults on staff. Recent data reveals that there were 168 verbal assaults on security staff, 109 on facilities staff, and 65 in Rotorua Hospital’s Emergency Department. Additionally, 140 physical assaults on health staff occurred, with 59 happening in Rotorua Hospital’s acute mental health unit. These numbers are alarming and highlight the need for improved safety measures to protect healthcare workers.
The Prevalence of Assaults
Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals also reported a high number of assaults on health staff. During the same period, 477 verbal assaults and 467 physical assaults were recorded. The Emergency Department at Tauranga Hospital was particularly affected, with 61 assaults occurring in this area. The acute mental health inpatient unit, Te Whare Maiangiangi, also experienced 65 assaults. These numbers demonstrate that the problem of assaults on healthcare staff is widespread and not limited to one specific hospital or department.
The Impact on Healthcare Staff
The impact of these assaults on healthcare staff cannot be overstated. Many staff members have reported experiencing verbal abuse, particularly in high-pressure environments like emergency departments. Associate clinical nurse manager Lyn Logan stated that she had encountered verbal abuse at work, including being called names and sworn at by patients. She noted that triage was particularly susceptible to verbal abuse due to its high-pressure environment. Logan also stated that staff had received training on de-escalation techniques, but a significant portion of verbal abuse went unreported due to the limited time available for reporting incidents.
Response from Health NZ
In response to these incidents, Health NZ group director of operations hospital and specialist services Alan Wilson stated that abuse towards healthcare staff was unacceptable. He apologized for the experiences of staff members like Logan and emphasized that healthcare workers should never face verbal abuse or physical threats while doing their job. Wilson noted that while not every incident could be prevented, emergency departments had robust processes to manage risks, protect staff and patients, and prevent escalation. He also stated that violence and aggression towards healthcare workers reflected broader societal challenges, but Health NZ took its responsibility to provide a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors seriously.
Measures to Improve Safety
To address the issue of assaults on healthcare staff, Health NZ has implemented various measures. These include increasing guard capacity, delivering violence-reduction training, and strengthening national standards for hospital security. A workplan has also been developed, which includes risk assessment tools for staff working in high-risk settings and reviewing facility design to improve safety. Additionally, Health NZ has communicated its position on violence and aggression to visitors and patients and encouraged staff to remove themselves from situations where they felt unsafe. The Government has also invested $31 million in ED security over four years, which has led to the delivery of over 20,000 hours of extra violence-reduction training.
The Bigger Picture
It is essential to recognize that the issue of assaults on healthcare staff is not unique to New Zealand. Healthcare workers worldwide face similar challenges, and it is crucial to address the root causes of these incidents. Health NZ acknowledges that hospitals can be challenging environments where patients are sometimes cognitively impaired, impacted by substance/alcohol abuse, or coping with the initial impact of an acute injury. The majority of aggression incidents are deemed to be without intent, and very few patient interactions turn violent. However, it is crucial to provide a secure environment for everyone in care, and patients and visitors can rest assured that their safety and wellbeing is a top priority.