A WA parliamentary question addresses the stabbing of a mental health nurse and seeks information on workers' compensation, support, and safety improvements at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic. RiskCover accepted the worker's compensation claim, and safety measures were implemented.

AnsweredQoN 906Legislative Council
Asked
17 October 2007
Portfolio
Health

QuestionView source ↗

MENTAL HEALTH NURSE - STABBING INCIDENT 906. Hon HELEN MORTON to the minister representing the Minister for Health: I refer to the incident on 17 September 2007 in which a mental health nurse was allegedly stabbed more than 20 times by an outpatient in the car park as she was arriving for work at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth. (1) Has the minister, as the board of the Metropolitan Health Service, and thus the employer of the nurse, accepted responsibility for workers’ compensation for the nurse who was allegedly stabbed? (2) Has the minister received advice about whether he needs to accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse? (3) If yes, what was that advice, given the location of the car park in which the nurse was allegedly stabbed? (4) If the minister does not accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse, is there some other means by which she will be financially supported by the government during her time off work, and compensated by the government for costs incurred during her time off work and return to work, without her having to use her accrued leave entitlements? (5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
MENTAL HEALTH NURSE - STABBING INCIDENT
I refer to the incident on 17 September 2007 in which a mental health nurse was allegedly stabbed more than 20 times by an outpatient in the car park as she was arriving for work at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth. (1) Has the minister, as the board of the Metropolitan Health Service, and thus the employer of the nurse, accepted responsibility for workers’ compensation for the nurse who was allegedly stabbed? (2) Has the minister received advice about whether he needs to accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse? (3) If yes, what was that advice, given the location of the car park in which the nurse was allegedly stabbed? (4) If the minister does not accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse, is there some other means by which she will be financially supported by the government during her time off work, and compensated by the government for costs incurred during her time off work and return to work, without her having to use her accrued leave entitlements? (5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(1) Has the minister, as the board of the Metropolitan Health Service, and thus the employer of the nurse, accepted responsibility for workers’ compensation for the nurse who was allegedly stabbed? (2) Has the minister received advice about whether he needs to accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse? (3) If yes, what was that advice, given the location of the car park in which the nurse was allegedly stabbed? (4) If the minister does not accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse, is there some other means by which she will be financially supported by the government during her time off work, and compensated by the government for costs incurred during her time off work and return to work, without her having to use her accrued leave entitlements? (5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(2) Has the minister received advice about whether he needs to accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse? (3) If yes, what was that advice, given the location of the car park in which the nurse was allegedly stabbed? (4) If the minister does not accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse, is there some other means by which she will be financially supported by the government during her time off work, and compensated by the government for costs incurred during her time off work and return to work, without her having to use her accrued leave entitlements? (5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(3) If yes, what was that advice, given the location of the car park in which the nurse was allegedly stabbed? (4) If the minister does not accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse, is there some other means by which she will be financially supported by the government during her time off work, and compensated by the government for costs incurred during her time off work and return to work, without her having to use her accrued leave entitlements? (5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(4) If the minister does not accept responsibility for workers’ compensation for this nurse, is there some other means by which she will be financially supported by the government during her time off work, and compensated by the government for costs incurred during her time off work and return to work, without her having to use her accrued leave entitlements? (5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(5) Has the nurse returned to full-time work? (6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(6) If no, what action is taking place to support her return to work? (7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(7) What initiatives have been completed to improve safety for staff at the Community Forensic Mental Health Clinic in East Perth? Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
Hon SUE ELLERY replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(1)-(3) RiskCover has accepted the nurse’s application for workers’ compensation. (4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(4) Not applicable. (5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(5) No. (6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(6) The nurse is receiving ongoing medical and psychological attention to improve both her physical and mental wellbeing. Through the occupational health and safety department, there will be a graduated and supported return to work. (7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.
(7) A temporary security officer - with review for continuation - has been provided to escort staff to and from the building and car park. A security review of building and surrounds has been undertaken. Following the WorkSafe review, the second interview room and treatment room at the clinic are no longer used for patients. The State Forensic Mental Health Service is actively examining the possibility of alternative premises.

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