Sydney, Australia — Escalating violence at hospitals in western Sydney has prompted healthcare workers to declare a crisis, as they grapple with a surge in assaults that has nearly doubled over the past decade. In response, union representatives and employees are calling for improved security measures and increased support for mental health services.
At Westmead Hospital, located in the heart of western Sydney, a recent violent incident underscored the dangers healthcare workers face daily. A 39-year-old man is accused of assaulting four hospital staff members, injuring two security guards with a knife, dislocating another guard’s shoulder, and inflicting minor injuries on a male nurse. He has since been charged with multiple offenses.
The dramatic rise in such assaults is thrown into stark relief by the latest figures released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, which recorded nearly 1,000 assaults on hospital grounds from March 2023 to 2024. This figure represents a sharp increase from a decade ago.
Nurse Teaghanne Sarina, who also serves as a Health and Safety representative, recently experienced the violence firsthand when a patient, under the influence of illicit substances, became aggressive and inflicted severe injuries on her. The incident, she notes, was unexpected and escalated rapidly, leaving little room for de-escalation.
“This kind of behavior can switch in moments,” Sarina said. “One minute, there’s calm; the next, you’re facing unexpected violence.”
The increase in assaults is attributed to a variety of factors, including the growing population in western Sydney, staffing shortages, and insufficient facilities such as a lack of available hospital beds. Wing Besilos, an ICU nurse with nearly three decades of experience at Westmead Hospital and a branch secretary of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, pointed to the inadequate training of security personnel in de-escalation techniques as a significant part of the problem.
“Often, we find ourselves with security that can do little to intervene effectively, which only compounds the risk and stress we face,” Besilos said.
There is also a spotlight on the broader societal issue of mental health. Sarina emphasized the need for more resources in the community to help manage mental health challenges effectively. “The lack of community services means we often see patients at breaking point by the time they come to us,” she explained.
In an effort to address these challenges, the NSW Government has announced a 12-month trial of body-worn cameras for security staff at selected public hospitals, aiming to improve safety and gather evidence that could support prosecutions. The trial will include up to 300 body-worn cameras and will be implemented at sites like Nepean Hospital and Westmead Hospital.
NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park, stated, “Ensuring the safety of our healthcare staff and patients remains a priority. We are committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards violence in our hospitals.”
However, the introduction of body-worn cameras has not been universally welcomed. Some staff members, including Besilos and Sarina, fear that cameras may exacerbate tensions, potentially escalating confrontations instead of preventing them.
“The cameras might deter some, but in many cases, they might just record the violence without preventing it,” Besilos noted.
Gerard Hayes, Secretary of the Health Services Union NSW, acknowledged that while the cameras could be a helpful tool, much more needs to be done. “We need greater numbers in security personnel, enhanced powers, and better protective equipment for our members,” Hayes insisted.
As the trial looms, these concerns highlight the complex interplay of factors contributing to hospital violence and point to an ongoing dialogue about the best ways to protect health workers while caring for the community.