Media release – Dale Webster, Deputy Secretary Hospitals and Primary Care, Wednesday 10 May 2023
Security experts appointed to lead Emergency Department security review
The Department of Health is committed to the safety of all patients, staff and visitors, and is taking action to ensure a safe and secure environment in Tasmania’s public hospitals.
As part of its ongoing response to a security incident at the North West Regional Hospital’s (NWRH) Emergency Department (ED) last month, the Department has engaged specialist security experts to conduct an independent review of security and safety protocols in Tasmanian EDs.
Security specialist and former Tasmania Police Commander Geoff Smith will lead the review, which will examine current security measures in place at the NWRH ED to identify where improvements can be made.
The review will look at the current security officer model and resources, staff induction processes and security training, and consider whether other measures or improvements are needed, including consideration of duress alarms and protective clothing.
Security recommendations from the review will then be implemented in other EDs across the State.
Dale Webster, Deputy Secretary for Hospitals and Primary Care, said the appointment indicated how serious the Department was about its review.
“I’m pleased to engage someone with Geoff’s security expertise and knowledge of the North West to lead this independent review into security and safety protocols in our Emergency Departments”, said Mr Webster
“Geoff is the Managing Partner of the Tasmanian security and risk advisory practice, Alexander James & Partners and has over 40 years of policing experience, including as Police Commander, Tasmania Police Western District and leadership of various specialist policing units such as Tasmania Police’s Counter-Terrorism Command.
“Importantly, during his career, he has led national initiatives in reviewing the private security industry and enhancing police protective security capability.
“Geoff recently held the position of Host-City Security Coordinator for the ICC Men’s World Cup Australia 2022 where he was responsible for planning and delivery of security and integration with policing operations across a range of venues within New South Wales and Tasmania.
“The safety of staff and patients is of the utmost importance and we are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all who come through the doors of our hospitals. We will continue to progress this review and implement its recommendations as a priority.”
As part of its response to the security incident at the NWRH, representatives from the Department of Health have met with unions and other key stakeholders, and will continue to engage strongly during this review to seek their feedback on improvements.
The immediate review is due to be completed by October 2023 and a project team has been established to take action on interim recommendations as they rise and implement outcomes from the independent review.
Following discussions with unions and other key stakeholders, the Department has also committed to developing and implementing a similar guide to the Victorian 10 point plan to end violence and aggression towards healthcare workers.
The Victorian 10 point plan was developed to assist with controlling the risks associated with occupational violence and aggression perpetrated against healthcare workers from sources external to the workplace, such as patients and visitors.
The plan will be updated to reflect the Tasmanian context and will be implemented in EDs as a priority, before being rolled out to all health facilities across the state.
