Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS) has announced a suite of new safety measures after recording more than 300 occupational violence and aggression incidents in the past financial year.
In 2024–25, staff reported 305 incidents, including Code Grey activations for aggressive behaviour requiring security and Code Black situations where police were called in response to threats.
The incidents ranged from verbal abuse to physical assault, with a significant proportion linked to patients experiencing cognitive impairment — such as dementia or delirium — or acute mental health issues.
BRHS says it is taking urgent and long-term action to reduce both the frequency and severity of these events.
BRHS chief executive Peter Abraham said the organisation
is committed to driving meaningful change.
“The safety of our staff and patients is non-negotiable,”
he said.
“We are investing in immediate measures and long-term strategies to reduce occupational violence and foster a culture of respect and care across BRHS and the broader health system.”
The health service has reactivated its Occupational Violence and Aggression Committee to oversee prevention work and has completed Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments with Victoria Police. As a result, CCTV coverage has been expanded, access controls tightened and security presence boosted across facilities.
Recruitment will soon begin for a Manager of Emergency Preparedness and Occupational Violence Prevention, a new role tasked with driving organisational improvements and ensuring compliance with best-practice standards.
A consumer awareness campaign is also underway, reinforcing BRHS’s zero-tolerance stance on aggression towards healthcare workers.
The message is being promoted through signage, patient admission and discharge processes,
and follow-up communication after incidents.
With 17 per cent of incidents resulting in staff injury or illness, BRHS is rolling out additional training and support.
This includes mandatory Code Grey and Code Black training, de-escalation skills, improved education on supporting patients with cognitive or mental health conditions, and psychological hazard workshops ahead of incoming Victorian OHS regulations in December 2025.
Enhanced counselling and peer-support services are also being offered to affected staff.
BRHS continues to collaborate with the Victorian Department of Health and Victoria Police under the statewide Framework for Preventing and Managing Occupational Violence and Aggression. This includes sharing data, contributing to sector-wide strategies, and participating in initiatives aimed at addressing systemic contributors such as gaps in mental health services.
