Canberra Health Services acknowledges that Dhulwa Mental Health Unit is one of its “most challenging health facilities to operate,” but management has acted swiftly to address staff concerns, a spokesperson said today in response to criticism by the nurses’ union ANMF following allegations staff were assaulted by inmates.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery ACT Association (ANMF) ACT Branch called yesterday for an urgent inquiry into the facility, saying nurses had reported 100 assaults over the last six months. Branch secretary Matthew Daniel blamed a “rotten” work culture, and claimed that Canberra Health Services management scapegoated, rather than supported, nurses, while the ACT Government failed to act.
CHS, however, claimed almost half the occupational violence incidents of the past six months happened in February, an “extremely challenging period”.
“Dhulwa is a secure mental health facility which at times accommodates patients with very complex needs who may present a risk to public safety and cannot be accommodated elsewhere in the Territory,” said Jennifer Harland, a CHS interim executive director.
“Patients’ physical and mental health issues can fluctuate at times, which for some leads to unsettled presentation for a period of time.”
Dhulwa’s isolation from the main hospital campus added to the complexity of the facility, she said.
Three CHS senior executives visited Dhulwa in recent weeks, listened to staff concerns, and asked for their input on further strategies to prevent and minimise the impacts of occupational violence on staff and patients, Ms Harland said.
Staff shared stories of their experiences of occupational violence and their desire to see increased support to manage the risks they face, Ms Harland said.
“We take these concerns very seriously and have acted swiftly to address them,” Ms Harland said.
Dhulwa staff can access critical incident counselling, and are debriefed after every occupational violence incident, Ms Harland said.
An additional senior mental health nurse has been placed at Dhulwa to improve staff safety, Ms Harland said.
CHS is considering reinvigorating existing occupational violence initiatives such as Safewards; a more structured day for patients, with the opportunity for increased occupational activities; upgrades to audio-visual and sensory equipment; a focus on challenging restrictive practices, which are flashpoints for potential aggression; better support for staff to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities when dealing with challenging behaviours; and reviewing patient leave application processes, another potential flashpoint.
CHS has heard some staff members would benefit from rotating out of Dhulwa to work in a less complex environment. All nursing staff at Dhulwa can work across different mental health inpatient units across CHS, Ms Harland said. Redeployment can be temporary or long-term. To date, no nursing staff have taken up this option.
“We are committed to providing exceptional care for the vulnerable Canberrans who require this service while always striving to keep our team members safe,” Ms Harland said.
