Recent findings of an investigation into Townsville Hospital has shown a systematic failure in their response after the nurse was sexually assaulted by a patient while on duty.
In August 2024, a nurse was sexually assault by a patient, with workplace health and safety launching an investigation when no disciplinary actions were taken.
Chief executive Kieran Keyes said investigators found that while each person involved in the
response was committed to appropriate action, there were nonetheless learnings for the
health service in the incident response and management.
“This was clearly a horrific experience for the staff member concerned and we are continuing
to provide support to that staff member who has since returned to work,” he said.
“We didn’t measure up and for that I am very sorry.”
Mr Keyes acknowledged the report’s findings were sobering.
“The investigators’ findings have made it clear that there are several key areas that need a
sharper focus including patient-specific behaviour management plans and a clearly defined
protocol to respond to a sexual assault,” he said.
“They also found that there was a limited awareness among staff of the support available
through the Sexual Assault Response Team within the health service; this is something we
clearly need to remedy.”
Mr Keyes said he was also troubled by the finding that hospital staff had a high tolerance for
poor and unsafe behaviour from patients.
“I know that many of our patients are complex, and this leads to some very challenging
behaviours,” he said.
“While I applaud our staff for not shying away from treating complex patients, this must never
be at the expense of staff safety.”
Four recommendations from the report, including the implementation of a critical response protocol, will be adopted by the Health Board at Townsville University Hospital.
Mr Keyes said the third recommendation – developing a standalone, health service-wide risk
assessment for sexual harassment and sex-and-gender-based harassment – had already
been delivered.
