Thames Hospital benefits from extra security over summer

Two additional security staff were stationed at Thames Hospital over the summer period, following a nationwide increase in reported verbal and physical incidents.
Health New Zealand Waikato’s interim operations director for community and rural health Rachel Swain told The Profile that, as a summer hotspot, the Thames Hospital ED had been allocated two extra security staff per shift, 24 hours a day, seven days a week from December 18, 2023, through to January 15, 2024.
It was one of 24 New Zealand hospitals which received between two and five additional security staff to help manage pressures over the holiday peak.
“Nationally, in December last year, 200 additional security staff (93 FTEs) were provided to 32 emergency departments over the summer period following an increase in reported verbal and physical incidents in the previous 12 months,” Rachel said.
“Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora identified eight higher risk hospitals, which each received five additional security staff until the end of February.
“Thames Hospital ED was included in the group of 24 hospitals, being located near the summer hotspots in the Coromandel.”
Rachel said the additional staff provided to Thames Hospital’s ED over this time matched its busiest ever summer period, and contributed – alongside normal security measures and additional clinical staff – to achieving “a calm and safe department”.
Although the additional security staff had finished their fixed term at Thames Hospital, an extra security team member was appointed prior to Christmas on a fixed term 12 month contract for the night shift at Thames, she said, while safety and security were “constantly being reviewed across our hospitals”.
“In addition, our CCTV, intercom, and electronic card access used at the hospital are being reviewed, while across Waikato, staff are being provided de-escalation training to help keep them and our patients safe.”
Rachel said Te Whatu Ora took the security of its staff, patients, and visitors “incredibly seriously”.
“Feedback from frontline ED staff across the country has been very positive; they say the presence of additional security had made a difference to their everyday work,” she said.
“Our staff deserve a safe workplace, and we want people who need healthcare to be able to access it in a safe and welcoming environment.
“Emergency departments in particular are a vital part of our health system, and all New Zealanders – and the people caring for them – need to feel confident they will be safe when they walk through our doors.”