The Problem of “Not Welcome Lists” in Victorian Hospitals
Hospitals are places where people go when they are at their most vulnerable. They rely on the care and support of medical professionals, yet there are instances where individuals seeking treatment can pose a threat to others. This is especially true for those with mental health issues, substance abuse problems, or other challenging circumstances. To ensure the safety of staff and patients, hospitals have protocols in place to manage such risks.
However, recent reports have highlighted a concerning issue: the use of “not welcome lists” by Victorian hospitals. These lists identify individuals who are not allowed to enter certain hospital premises. While the intention may be to protect staff and patients, the lack of transparency around these lists has raised serious concerns.
The Impact on Paramedics and Ambulance Workers
Paramedics and ambulance workers are often the first point of contact for patients in distress. According to the Victorian Ambulance Union (VAU), hospitals sometimes trigger “code grey” or “code black” calls when they refuse to accept a patient from an ambulance. This leads to security personnel being sent to remove the individual from the premises.
Danny Hill, secretary of the VAU, expressed frustration over the situation. He pointed out that if a hospital deems a patient dangerous, it should be reasonable for paramedics to be aware of this information. “If hospitals are unwilling to take them because they’re dangerous, why the hell shouldn’t paramedics at least have an awareness?” he asked.
This lack of communication puts paramedics at risk. There have been cases where ambulance workers have been assaulted, which could have been prevented with better information. At a time when paramedics are already questioning their safety on the streets and whether existing laws provide adequate protection, the absence of clear guidelines is unacceptable.
The Need for a Uniform Approach
Currently, each hospital manages its own exclusion policies independently and confidentially. Ambulance Victoria has requested access to these lists, but their requests have been denied. This lack of coordination creates a system where one hospital’s actions can shift the risk to another.
Pierce Tyson of the Ambulance Managers and Professionals Association highlighted this issue. He noted that while “not welcome notices” may protect staff at one hospital, they can transfer the risk to paramedics and staff at other hospitals.
To address this, a uniform approach is needed. The records of these exclusions should be kept by the Health Department or an independent body. This would ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of such lists to avoid difficult cases.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
The Allan government has acknowledged the problem and committed to addressing it through an anti-violence roundtable. However, some participants have expressed concern that no further meetings have been held since the initial one in November. A second roundtable was promised for June, but the lack of progress has raised questions about the government’s commitment.
Health Minister Harriet Shing recently stated that her department does not have secret lists of patients with challenging behavior. However, The Age believes that either the department or a watchdog like Safer Care Victoria should have access to the lists created by hospitals.
The Risks of Inaction
The current gaps in knowledge are increasing the risk to healthcare workers. But they are also creating a class of people who cannot rely on receiving medical attention when they need it. In one case reported to the union, a patient refused entry to Northern Hospital in Epping ended up leaving without care while paramedics tried to consult their duty manager.
The longer we wait to address this opaque and uncoordinated system of exclusions, the closer we come to a tragedy none of us wish to see. The only question is whether the victim will be someone in urgent need of medical attention or someone doing their best to deliver it.
Conclusion
The use of “not welcome lists” in Victorian hospitals highlights a critical need for transparency, accountability, and coordination. Without a unified approach, the safety of both healthcare workers and patients remains at risk. It is time for meaningful action to ensure that the system works for everyone involved.
