NSW Nurses' Association (NSWNA) general secretary Brett Holmes says a police investigation into the incident is underway, but a more in-depth look at the hospital's security and staffing levels will be undertaken by WorkCover and the NSWNA.

"Based on preliminary information received from Blacktown nurses yesterday, this investigation will need to look at the appropriateness of security arrangements and the staffing levels in the emergency department. NSWNA members have expressed concern about low staffing levels and they also want security staff allocated to the emergency department 24 hours a day," says Mr. Holmes. "For some reason, this level of dedicated security does not exist in the ED at the moment and that should be rectified as soon as possible. This is a new and busy emergency department, which clearly needs that level of security." 

The NSWNA will also be providing counselling support for Blacktown Hospital's ED nurses who feel traumatised by the event.

 

The assaulted nurse received treatment at the hospital and has since been released.