Stakeholders are urging the South Australian government to reveal the details and timeline of a multi-million dollar upgrade to the emergency department in the state's largest regional city.
In the 2022-23 budget papers, the government committed $8 million over three years to "increasing capacity and improving safety and security" at the Mount Gambier emergency department.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said security guards were not being considered "at this stage".
"There are plans to upgrade the security dynamic at the Mount Gambier Hospital," he said.
"We know that there's a particular requirement and need in terms of mental health supports in the Mount Gambier Hospital that, not being in place at the moment, means that there are carry-on effects to other parts of the hospital."
Premier Malinauskas said the $11.4 million commitment to double the hospital's mental health unit "will improve the security framework for both patients and the staff".
"By having purpose-built facilities and treatment spaces that are appropriate to their needs, it actually does improve the security situation in the hospital," he said.
Aggression is 'unacceptable'
Port Lincoln Hospital was the latest regional health facility to have confirmed security guards 24/7.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation in SA chief executive Elizabeth Dabars welcomed the move, but said security was vital for all sites.
"We do believe very strongly that there should be a security presence in all of the major regional hospitals," she said.
"There is violence and aggression that is occurring across the board, across South Australia, that is really unacceptable."
Ms Dabars said implementing security officers in other regional locations, like Whyalla and Port Augusta, had resulted in successful outcomes.
"It has had a significant difference in people's perception and reality of violence and aggression," she said.
"It is a really important initiative to put in place to provide people with the safety they deserve."
Ms Dabars said she was "unclear" of the details of the funding package for Mount Gambier, but it was "an urgent issue, because [health staff] are continuing to be exposed to these issues".
Questions on rollout and timeline
The Shadow Minister for Regional Health Services, Penny Pratt, said it was concerning that the Limestone Coast community was "still waiting on details".
"When will this upgrade start, what will it look like, and when will it be finished?" she asked.
"[The community needs to know] why it's taking so long to commit to an upgrade of security to support and provide safe working environments for our frontline staff."
Independent member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell also expressed concerns around the timeline and details of the rollout.
"There is genuine criticism on the time that [the upgrades are] going to take," he said.
"The money is secured but the rollout needs to occur much quicker."
Mr Bell said it was his understanding that security personnel could be called upon during particularly difficult times at the emergency department.
But he said the issue was "much bigger than just security staff".
"There are reasons why emergency departments come under stress, that can lead to long wait times," Mr Bell said.
"That can lead to issues around people being quite annoyed.
"It's not as simple as just saying we need security guards."
Mr Bell said the hospital was involved in a security review and looking at other areas to help improve safety.
