Sydney deploys 129 security guards after 2223 hospital assaults in three years
Health Minister Ryan Park announced 129 extra security guards. An investigation found 2223 violent assaults at Sydney hospitals over three years.
A 7NEWS investigation obtained health department documents showing a sharp rise in violence against staff and patients across Sydney's public and private hospitals. Over just three years, 2223 assaults were recorded, with 1488 workers filing compensation claims.
Emergency departments have become very dangerous, with security teams seizing guns, knives and machetes. Violence has been so severe that SafeWork investigations were started at some hospitals.
Health Minister Ryan Park announced on Wednesday that 129 new security guards will be deployed across Sydney hospitals. Many locations will now have staff 24 hours a day.
Opposition politicians say the response is too late and too small. Security guards are pushing for broader powers.
They want the right to conduct weapon searches in emergency departments.
- 2,223 over three years
- Violent assaults recorded
- 1,488
- Compensation claims filed
- 129
- New security guards deployed
- Guns, knives, machetes
- Weapons seized
Why it mattersHospital staff safety directly affects patient care. Better security and more protection allow doctors and nurses to do their jobs without fear.
AustraliaSydney healthcare workers now have added protection, though security staff say they need stronger powers to prevent weapons entering emergency departments.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 h ago
