Opposition announces hospital PSO plan without key consultations
Victoria’s state opposition has announced a plan to deploy 70 protective services officers (PSOs) in hospital corridors to protect healthcare workers from violent patients. However, the opposition did not consult the Police Chief Commissioner or most of the seven hospitals included in the proposed two-year trial.
The announcement comes as violent incidents across Victoria’s top six health services have surged by 191% over the past decade. Notably, a 2011 parliamentary inquiry recommended against using PSOs in hospitals, deeming it inappropriate after receiving unanimous opposition from clinicians, hospital staff, and security personnel. #hospitalviolence #healthcareworkers #protectiveservicesofficers
