86 physical assaults against Bundaberg Base Hospital staff have been reported this year alone. *
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said nurses and operation staff are coping the brunt of the abuse.
“This is not on,” he said.
“Abuse in any form cannot and should not be tolerated, especially in a hospital where staff are doing all they can to help.
“We know the Bundaberg Base Hospital is in crisis mode, there aren’t enough beds or staff, but that is never an excuse for violence.
“Everyone deserves a safe working environment.
“I asked the health minister to release this data because nurses and staff are asking me for help.
“They’re overrun, overworked, and are at breaking point.
“The State Government needs to stop deflecting and hiding the truth.
“It’s time to take real action. It’s time to stop fudging the numbers and fix the serious crisis looming at the Bundaberg Base Hospital.”
The Member for Burnett is asking the community for help during the busy holiday period.
“Christmas and New Years is a stressful time and typically one of the busiest times in our hospitals,” said Mr Bennett.
“My plea to everyone this year is to please be patient, understanding, and respectful.
“Our front-line staff need to feel safe at work and respected.
“We can all give the gift of patience, to each other and to our hard-working hospital staff.
“On behalf of our community, I’d like to thank everyone at the hospital for helping us when it matters the most.
“Thank you for all you have done during a very trying, challenging, and difficult year.”
* QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2022/1236-2022.pdf
ENDS.
12/12/2022