With an online petition having received 2000 signatures, nurses at Wallaroo and Port Pirie hospitals are now wearing purple scrubs in an urgent bid for 24/7 restraint-trained security guards.
The move follows an alleged lack of commitment from Yorke and Northern Local Health Network with nurses wanting to highlight their vulnerability and proactive approach to safety.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation calls for immediate action and criticizes the sluggish bureaucracy. Purple scrubs will continue until safety is prioritized.
ANMF CEO Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM says other regional hospitals, such as Whyalla and Port Augusta, that do have 24/7 restraint-trained security guards provide feedback that the presence of such guards has had a positive impact in reducing violent incidents and psychological injury to staff.
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