Question regarding the definition, frequency, and locations of 'Code Yellow' emergencies within WA's mental health services across metropolitan regions between 2010 and 2013. The answer details the definition and provides specific instances within the North Metropolitan Health Service.

AnsweredQoN 1513Legislative Council
Asked
9 September 2014
Portfolio
Mental Health

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the mental health disaster responses sub-plan , and I ask: (a) what is a "Code Yellow" emergency; (b) were any "Code Yellow" emergencies issued in each of the metropolitan regions for the following periods: (i) 2010-11; (ii) 2011-12; and (iii) 2012-13; and (c) if yes to (b), what were the locations and the dates of each "Code Yellow" emergency?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
15 October 2014
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health
Response time
36 days
a) It is an internal emergency which may result in potential or real harm to patients, visitors or staff. As such, it requires prompt, coordinated action to prevent further danger.
Internal emergencies can be classed as hospital wide or departmental and represent both failure and/or threat to services such as:
· Electricity
· Medical gases
· Water, sewerage etc
· Communications - telephone, paging etc
· Information technology
· Structural Damage
· Systems Overload - ED overload / Hospital Bed Crises (Follow Bed Escalation Plan)
b) Yes. The number of Code yellow events specific to North Metropolitan Health Service Mental Health (NMHS MH) facilities, departments and units were:
(i) 0.
(ii) 2.
(iii) 4.
The South Metro Health Service has an integrated process and as such a code yellow is generally called for a facility rather than a specific speciality.
A Code Yellow may be confined to a single speciality, or several specialties, and may even impact on all services site-wide.
c) (i) Not applicable.
(ii) Osborne Community Mental Health Clinic (04/09/2012; 02/11/2012); Graylands Health Campus (22/02/2013; 22/05/2013); Osborne Park Older Adult Mental Health Unit (15/01/2013); Mirrabooka Community Mental Health Clinic (22/02/13).

Explore WA Government Data

Search the full archive in the free dashboard, or query programmatically via API.

Explore more