Abuse limits North Shore Hospital visitor hours

By REBECCA WALSH health reporter

Physical abuse, drunken behaviour and threats aimed at North Shore Hospital patients and staff have resulted in security doors and limits on visiting hours.

The changes, introduced last week, mean most wards are open between 2pm and 8pm, but are electronically locked outside those hours.

Visitors wanting to be in a ward at other times must make arrangements with the charge nurse.

Security cameras at ward entrances monitor the lifts and foyer areas.

Nigel Wilkinson, general manager of support services, said the system provided an extra level of protection for patients and staff.

"Theft of equipment [and] personal possessions is a significant problem in all hospitals these days, as are threats to people's physical safety," he said.

Last year, staff reported 670 incidents ranging from verbal abuse to threatened or actual physical harm, Mr Wilkinson said.

But the number of threatening incidents was probably much higher because reporting such events was voluntary.

Security Services reported attending 67 incidents in 2001 - and nearly three times that number, 175, last year.

Inpatient services spokeswoman Susan Noom believed the increasing number of security incidents was a result of stress and people being more demanding.

If the hospital could not provide what they expected instantly, they became abusive.

Mrs Noom said verbal abuse was far more common than assault.

Some patients were the victims of partner abuse.

The extra security would help them feel safe.

Mrs Noom said the number of visitors outside specified hours was a concern, and limited visiting times guaranteed that patients received the breaks they needed to get well.

The maternity suite had used set visiting times for about four years because a survey of women using the service showed they preferred to have visitor-free times so they could rest and recover.

Visiting hours are 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm.

Mrs Noom said outpatient areas, such as day clinics, did not have controlled electronic entry doors.

There had been no negative feedback about the changes.