The Royal Melbourne Hospital has declared a code black emergency after a pregnant nurse was allegedly threatened by a patient wielding a screwdriver. The patient reportedly held the screwdriver to the nurse's stomach, prompting an immediate code black alert, which is an emergency response to a personal threat within the hospital.
Incident Details
The alarming event unfolded when a patient brandished a screwdriver and directed it at the pregnant nurse's abdomen. Hospital security and staff responded swiftly, activating the code black protocol to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The nurse, who is expecting a child, was reportedly unharmed but shaken by the ordeal.
Growing Trend of Violence
The nurses' union has highlighted this incident as part of a disturbing and growing trend of violence against healthcare workers, both inside and outside hospital premises. Just last week, two midwives from Geelong Hospital were allegedly assaulted while returning to their cars after finishing their shifts around 11pm on Friday.
Alarming Statistics
Data reveals that 10 percent of health workers statewide experience violence on almost every shift. However, the union believes the real number is likely much higher, as many workers no longer bother reporting incidents due to what they describe as a lack of action from their employers.
Union Calls for Improved Security
In response to these incidents, the union is now calling on both public and private hospitals to step up their security practices to ensure the safety of all staff members. They emphasize that healthcare workers should not have to fear for their lives while providing essential care to patients.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but the matter is under investigation by hospital security and local authorities.
