Union calls on NSW Premier Chris Minns to intervene after knife incidents at Westmead Hospital
Staff at a Western Sydney hospital are pleading with Premier Chris Minns to intervene after two stabbing incidents in just three days.
Clinical staff at Westmead Hospital were allegedly threatened by a patient armed with a knife on November 22, prompting the evacuation of the waiting room and the dispatch of armed police, according to the Federation of Australian Salaried Paramedics.
Just two days later, a high-risk inmate from Silverwater prison was in hospital when a knife allegedly fell out of his clothing during an assessment.
ASMOF NSW president Nicholas Spooner said doctors were told the man was already wanted.
“This is a catastrophic security failure by any standard,” he said.
The incidents come more than a year after three security guards and a nurse were allegedly attacked by a knife-wielding man at the hospital.
The union alleges NSW Health ignored repeated warnings and failed to conduct a safety review following the attack.
They worry it’s only a matter of time before another staff member or patient is injured.
“The emergency department cannot operate safely under these conditions. These incidents are not uncommon,” Dr Spooner said.
“Sharp weapons have now been found on multiple patients in a matter of days.
“We can’t keep pretending this is normal.”
Dr Spooner and the union are calling on the Prime Minister to intervene urgently to protect staff and patients at Westmead Emergency Department.
“With two stabbings in three days, it is clear that emergency department doctors and their patients are being exposed to dangerously extreme violence,” he said.
“What was most infuriating to members was that over a long period of time they had informed NSW Health about their concerns and risks and once again nothing was done.
“It is completely unacceptable that doctors continue to work every day without the most basic protections against violence.
“Our members tell us they feel powerless and abandoned. Nothing has changed since the last stabbing in June 2024, except the danger has increased.”
The union is calling for an urgent safety review at Westmead emergency department “focusing on protecting staff and patients from violent criminals”.
They are also calling for increased NSW Health security staff trained and equipped to manage violent incidents, stab-proof vests and gloves for frontline staff, metal detectors and additional clinical and support staff to manage high-risk or distressed patients and families.
“Every day without action is another day where someone’s life is at risk. Westmead is one of the busiest hospitals in the country. Staff need real protection, not more consultation. We know exactly what is needed.”
Opposition leader and shadow health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane said two knife-related incidents in three days were “a failure, not a warning”.
“No one in NSW should enter a hospital fearing for their safety. Medical staff deserve better,” he said.
The offices of Prime Minister Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park have been approached for comment.
