Question: Increase in Hospital Code Black Calls
The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:37):
I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Attorney-General, representing the Minister for Health, a question about hospital Code Black calls.
The Hon. J.S. LEE:
A report by The Advertiser from 14 February found that Code Black calls for security help from frightened health workers have increased drastically, with SA Health staff calling for urgent security help an average of 40 times every day. In the Limestone Coast, calls for help rocketed from just seven in 2021 to 159 last year, while in Yorke and Northern they soared from 45 to 211 and in Eyre and Far North they went from 27 to 73. In total, Code Black calls rose from 12,990 in 2021 to 14,816 in 2024. My questions to the Leader of the Government are:
- What new strategy will the government be implementing to ensure the safety of hospital and health workers across the state?
- Given that a large proportion of the increase in Code Black calls are from regional hospitals, what actions will the government be undertaking to specifically address the unique issues and challenges faced by regional hospitals and healthcare providers?
The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:39):
I thank the honourable member for her questions. I will refer them to the Minister for Health in another place and bring back an answer for her.
29th April 2025
The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State):
The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:
1. A rise in violence and aggression has been experienced across numerous sectors worldwide, SA Health continues to focus on the safety, security, and wellbeing of its workforce.
The 'Abuse shouldn't be part of the job' Respectful Behaviours Campaign will be extended, following the successful rollout last year. The advertisements highlight the unacceptable abuse levelled at our health workers and call for respect for our doctors, nurses, ambulance officers and other health workers. The TV ad campaign is backed by six health unions and draws from real-life experiences of our public hospital staff, featuring real workers and actors.
The campaign adds to the improved security measures that have already been put in place as we work to implement the ANMF's 10-point plan to end violence and aggression in our hospitals.
This includes the employment of 24/7 security guards across major regional hubs, as well as fit-for-purpose technology and design throughout the suite of new health infrastructure currently under construction and already delivered.
The SA Health Positive Behaviour Support Framework has been updated to align to the latest evidence-based practice, it will be finalised in coming months following recent consultation.
All local health networks have security service agreements in place with dedicated portfolios supporting the ongoing work to meet the framework's objectives. These include training staff in working with consumers who display behaviours of concern related to prevention, management, and response, and embarking on infrastructure projects that improve and expand safety and security measures.
2. Increasing awareness of the importance of reporting has seen an improvement in the reporting culture within SA Health and reporting of incidents by staff. Improved reporting helps us learn from incidents and make improvements.
The unique issues and challenges faced by regional hospitals and healthcare providers are acknowledged. Security upgrades are being undertaken across multiple regional health services, including CCTV, access control, duress systems, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) measures, dedicated points of entry, security screens and door and hardware replacements, additional external lighting, security fencing, and bollard installations.
Port Pirie, Wallaroo, Whyalla, Mount Barker, Gawler, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, and Mount Gambier health services have all strategically implemented security guards on site.
The department continues to work closely with all the local health networks to support them all with their security posture. Furthermore, the department has developed the SA Health Agency Security Plan consistent with the South Australian Protective Security Framework requirements which elevates the agency's security maturity.