‘Code black’ incidents double at Hedland hospital

Staff at Hedland Health Campus are facing an increasing number of dangerous situations, with figures showing emergency “code black” incidents at the hospital have doubled.

A total of 33 code blacks were reported by staff at the hospital in 2015 in cases where there was a personal threat to employees, patients or visitors who were verbally or physically abused, threatened or assaulted.

WA Country Health Service Pilbara regional director Ron Wynn said he was not aware of any staff at HHC that had been injured in relation to a code black last year.

He added a code black did not mean there had been actual physical harm to an individual, but could also signal awareness of a heightened level aggression.

“It is a necessary part of providing health care to patients that staff are in immediate contact with patients, some of who may be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or be experience an acute mental health episode,” he said.

“Clinical staff are trained in assessing the level of risk in these situations and prepare accordingly,”

In 2014, just 16 code blacks were reported at the hospital which has a closed circuit TV system in place throughout the campus and employs the use of contracted security staff from 4pm and 8am daily.

The statistics come as a recent report by The West Australian showed staff at Perth’s public hospitals were increasingly relying on security staff to stay safe, with 20,000 code black threat alarms reported last year.

Metro doctors reported knives, machetes and even guns were being seen in hospital emergency departments.

Australian Medical Association WA president Dr Michael Gannon said it was extremely concerning that code blacks in Port Hedland had doubled.

He said the staggering rise highlighted a disturbing trend of increased violence in EDs, much of which was directly attributed to the increasing use of alcohol and illegal drugs, especially ice.

“The safety of all patients and medical staff at Hedland Health Campus is vital and steps must be taken to ensure their safety,” Mr Gannon said.

However Mr Wynn said he didn’t believe the numbers had doubled, but that there had been an “increased awareness” among staff due to training and a zero-tolerance approach.