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Vic hospitals introduce stab-proof vests for staffers

Anti-stab vests will be introduced at two Melbourne hospitals following a frenzied attack on a surgeon last year.

The Sunshine and Footscray hospitals will receive 60 of the protective vests in 2016 as part of the Andrews government's strategy to curb increasing violence against hospital staff.

The vest, similar to this one, will help to protect frontline staff at Victorian hospitals. Photo: PPSS Group
The vest, similar to this one, will help to protect frontline staff at Victorian hospitals. Photo: PPSS Group

Respected neurosurgeon Michael Wong was stabbed 13 times by a former patient in February 2014.

Dr Wong, head of neurosurgery at Footscray hospital, was lucky to survive the attack that left wounds on his head, arms and torso.

His attacker, who lurked at the hospital waiting for Dr Wong to start work, did not stand trial as it was ruled that he was mentally ill at the time of the stabbing.

"I think there is a degree of complacency regarding security measures in our public hospitals," Dr Wong told 7 News.

"At the end of the day, the security guards or people are not the targets, the targets are doctors and nurses."

Dr Wong was stabbed 13 times by a former patient. Source: 7 News.
Dr Wong was stabbed 13 times by a former patient. Source: 7 News.

Minister for Health, Jill Hennessy said violence in the workplace is "unacceptable".

“Our highly skilled frontline health care workers deserve to feel safe at work so they can do their job treating patients and saving lives,” she said.

“It is especially concerning that our dedicated doctors and nurses who care for others - often at their most vulnerable - face a greater risk of violence.”

She also reminded the public to be cautious during the holiday season.

“With the busy New Year's eve period fast approaching, please remember to give our hardworking doctors and nurses the respect they deserve - we will not tolerate threats, abuse or assaults against our doctors, nurses and paramedics."

Safety upgrades will include CCTV cameras for Rochester and Elmore District hospitals, security control doors at The Royal Woman’s Hospital and personal duress alarms for some Peter Mac centre workers.

Ambulance Victoria revealed 328 reports of assault against paramedics in 2015.

Footscray Hospital. Photo: Westernhealth
Footscray Hospital. Photo: Westernhealth

Ambulance Victoria Acting General Manager Emergency Operations Mick Stephenson said any kind of abuse against staff would not be tolerated.

“No one comes to work expecting be harmed and we have zero tolerance for violence, threats or abuse towards our paramedics.”

According to data from Ambulance Victoria, one paramedic on average experiences aggression or assault everyday, including physical and verbal abuse.

Earlier this month a paramedic on the Gold Coast was brutally attacked while treating a patient.

Gold Coast paramedic bashed while treating patient

News break – December 28