THE state’s nurses’ union and Crime Stoppers have teamed up in a push to end violence in SA hospitals, including at the Lyell McEwin Hospital (LMH).

A spike in violent attacks inside and outside hospitals, including at Elizabeth Vale’s LMH, has seen the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) SA branch turn to the police information service for support.

In the last year, a nurse was stabbed in the neck outside the hospital in July, while in October, two assault incidents occurred, with one resulting in hospital management calling a “code black” in the emergency department.

To combat the increase in attacks, prominent signage will be installed around the LMH, and other hospitals, encouraging anyone who sees inappropriate and threatening behaviour towards nurses to call Crime Stoppers.

ANMF SA chief executive Elizabeth Dabars said there is safety fears amongst nurses working at the LMH.

“It certainly has shaken people considerably and people are on high alert when getting to and from there (the LMH) by car,” she said.

“Certainly the issue of aggression and violence is something that permeates within the walls of the hospital as well. That too is unacceptable.

“We have been pleased that SA Health has come out with a recent revision of their challenging behaviours policy.”

Ms Dabars added she hoped Crime Stoppers option to remain anonymous would help people come forward and make a report.

Crime Stoppers spokesperson Sharon Hanlon said everyone has a responsibility to keep their eyes and ears open to identify and put a stop to those wanting to harm others.

“We know that often a criminal will stake out an area before attacking a person, and that is why it is important for everyone using car parks and at-risk areas to be on the lookout for a car or any person acting suspiciously – even if no obvious crime has been committed,” she said.

“An average of 25 crimes are solved each and every week in South Australia thanks to information provided by the community to Crime Stoppers, and we hope that people share what they know to make sure our nurses and frontline health staff stay safe,” she said.

“We also want people to step up when an attacker has been caught on CCTV and share what they know, because rarely are these crimes committed in isolation.

“Maybe you’ve heard someone in your social circle talking about involvement in an attack, perhaps they have property that isn’t theirs, maybe they match the description of a suspect – that’s when contacting Crime Stoppers can make all the difference.”