A “successful” security program at Logan Hospital has undergone a new look to improve visibility and responsiveness, just weeks after the introduction of conflict de-escalation training for staff.
The 24/7 security team, which the hospital calls its “safety and response officers” and “hospital ambassadors”, was first trialled at the hospital in 2018 to boost patient safety and reduce occupational violence.
Six years later, the team is sporting a whole new look – with vibrant blue shirts and load-bearing vests that feature body cameras.
“Having recently grown in numbers and reach across Logan Hospital, the ambassadors have been hugely successful in improving patient and staff safety in the busy emergency department since they were first introduced,” Metro South Health said in a statement.
Director of corporate services Scott Hughes said that as result of the Logan trial, the ambassador program had expanded to the hospital’s medical wards and rolled out at other facilities including Redland Hospital.
“We are proud to have been the first Metro South Health facility to trial and permanently employ ambassadors as part of our healthcare team,” he said.
“They are trained in proactive engagement, de-escalation and patient-focussed communication, and play a key role in helping to maintain a safe environment for everyone.
“Our safety and response team do an incredible job responding to a wide variety of incidents across the hospital which we know is continuing to get bigger.”
The Logan team is the first in the region to wear the load-bearing vests, which Mr Hughes said provided a “stable base for the officers’ body worn cameras which have also gone a long way to improving safety and addressing occupational violence”.
In May, Logan Hospital revealed staff were undergoing Maybo training to help them de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
Senior safety consultant Toni Connolly said the training taught staff to recognise risks early, respond with confidence, and de-escalate situations before they became physical.
“Hospitals can be challenging places to work, and Maybo equips staff across different roles and services with the knowledge and skills to reduce conflict and safely manage behaviours of concern,” she said.
Mr Hughes said the Safety and Response team stood out in their bright blue shirts and vests and were on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Our hardworking staff deserve to come to work without being abused or assaulted. Aggression and violence towards anyone at our hospitals is unacceptable.
“We know that not all aggression is intentional with patients who are experiencing distress, confusion, or mental health challenges.”
