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It has been known for years that nurses and other health workers in Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia (map at right), are at high risk of assault, but little has been done to protect them.
A government report recommending increased security measures has gathered dust since it was submitted in October 2006. Last month’s rape of a nurse on Mabuiag Island has suddenly moved the issue to the front burner.
AN internal Queensland Health report on nurses' security in remote locations in the Torres Strait has recommended that secure "bomb shelters" be provided for staff where they could hide when under attack.
The report, which was provided to Queensland Health 16 months ago but tabled in parliament by Health Minister Stephen Robertson only on Wednesday, described the risk level posed to most employees working in the Torres Strait as "very high" or "extreme".
Nurses in Torres Strait have threatened to strike at the end of this month, and government officials are hoping to mollify them with minor improvements.
QUEENSLAND Health faced more damaging allegations last night after it was revealed it ignored repeated warnings that a man who allegedly raped a nurse on Mabuiag Island was mentally unstable.
The revelations came as The Courier-Mail conducted an inspection of health centres on the remote Torres Strait islands where there was evidence the department had made superficial upgrades in a desperate bid to avert a threatened nurses strike from March 28.
It has now been revealed that, in addition to last month’s rape, at least four other sexual assaults of nurses working in Torres Strait have occurred in the past year. Every week, at least two nurses claim compensation for violence suffered in the line of duty.
The 27-year-old rape victim is planning to sue the Queensland Government. The story of her horrific ordeal can be read here. Everything about the incident, from the assault itself to the irresponsible behaviour of the local constabulary to the heartless and despicable treatment she received at the hands of Queensland Health, is utterly appalling.
A criminal investigation unit is now examining her case with a view to determining who is at fault.
h/t: Australian Politics
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