Security ramped up at Whanganui Hospital’s emergency department to prevent violence towards staff

Whanganui Hospital currently has overnight security in the emergency department and will be getting one to two additional security guards ahead of the Christmas holiday period.

Whanganui Hospital’s emergency department is getting extra security over summer in a bid to curb violent incidents in hospitals.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a boost of security to emergency departments in 20 hospitals which will receive additional funding over the summer period.

Police callouts to health facilities regarding harassment and threatening behaviour have nearly doubled in the past four years, with incidents such as a machete attack at Wairarapa Hospital causing alarm.

Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora group director of operations for Whanganui, Katherine Fraser-Chapple, said Whanganui Hospital currently had overnight security in the emergency department.

“Over the Christmas holiday period, we will have increased security personnel on-site 24/7.

“This includes one to two additional security staff.”

There had not been any threatening incidents towards staff members in Whanganui’s emergency department of late, Fraser-Chapple said.

In a written statement, Reti said emergency departments could be particularly busy and stressful during the holiday period and the Government was taking extra safety steps to ease this pressure.

“Staff and patients in our EDs deserve to feel safe when they’re working or visiting hospitals across New Zealand.

“As part of Budget 2024, we also announced a flexible funding package allowing Health NZ to surge security support across all 33 emergency departments when needed. This is particularly helpful during summer for the many events being held in regional and rural areas.”

Reti said it was a reminder to New Zealanders violence against patients, visitors and health workers won’t be tolerated.

Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. She began as a reporter in 2023.