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Security upgrade welcomed at Inverell Hospital
20 April 2009
The team at Inverell District Hospital have welcomed an extensive range of security upgrades which have been undertaken throughout the hospital grounds.
The state-of-the-art security measures, totalling approximately $45,000, have been installed to complement main clinical areas and entry points at the facility.
Completed in this month (April), the works included the installation of a lockdown system within the emergency department, surgical ward and maternity unit. An intercom system has also been fitted at certain entry and exit points.
McIntyre Cluster General Manager Lynne Shands said the electronic security and intercom systems now form an integral part of ensuring patient, staff and visitor safety.
“Violence is a serious public health issue, and unfortunately community-based violence can sometimes flow into health facilities. Hunter New England Health prides itself on taking every step possible to protect our staff and patients from any form of violence,” Ms Shands said.
“The security system installation at Inverell Hospital was the most recent in a range of structural upgrades made at the hospital in the past 18 months. These refurbishments have not only improved the level of safety and care available to patients, but they have also made the facility a more attractive place to work and visit.”
In December and January, Inverell District Hospital’s West Wing was the focus of an overhaul. Lighting, new flooring, electrical improvements, wall repairs and painting were among the upgrades undertaken during the maintenance project, which totalled approximately $6000.
The hospital’s emergency department also benefitted from recent renovations. In 2008, a secure mental health room was added to the department, as was a second patient consult room.
These works, which totalled approximately $35,000, have enhanced both staff and patient privacy and safety. An additional $18,000 was also spent on electronic equipment in the emergency department, including the purchase of three new patient monitors.
A photo of Clinical Nurse Specialist Faye Dunshea and Inverell Nurse Manager Kath Randall inspecting a section of the new security system is available on request.
(HNE-1820)
Contact: Carisa Green
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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