South Brisbane: Medical facility staff allegedly threatened by man believed to be carrying gun
It comes after an investigation last year revealed alarming amounts of weapons had been smuggled into emergency departments in one State.
Staff at a Queensland medical facility have been allegedly threatened by a man carrying a gun.
About 2.30am, police arrived at the medical facility in South Brisbane after reports of the man threatening security.
It is alleged he was carrying several replica firearms and an undisclosed quantity of drugs.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The 21-year-old man from South Brisbane was arrested.
He was later charged with unlawful possession of weapons, threats, and possessing dangerous drugs.
He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.
It comes after an investigation into New South Wales emergency departments last year revealed that an alarming number of deadly weapons were being smuggled into Sydney’s emergency departments, including knives, machetes and even guns.
Among the shocking discoveries were a homemade shotgun complete with ammunition brought into Blacktown Hospital, and a credit card gun confiscated at Lismore this month. Hospital security guards have also seized secateurs, meat cleavers, a machete and a saw in recent months.
“The violence you see out in the street on your 6 o’clock news, most of that ends up in hospital,” hospital security guard Bruce Rowling told 7NEWS.
“Our EDs have never been more dangerous.”
Healthcare workers were reporting unprecedented levels of violence, with staff experiencing “punching, kicking, swearing, threats against our lives, being followed to our cars.”
“Healthcare workers are not punching bags, nor should they be,” NSW health minister Ryan Park said, with nurses and security staff left bruised and under constant attack.
The Minns Government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis, with officials saying they are “taking this very, very seriously.”
“They go there to look after patients at their worst, often the worst day of their life. The government is taking action,” Mr Park added.
Statistics reveal 40 per cent of health workers report being exposed to violent or traumatic events at work, prompting calls for urgent reform.
