Records at Ballina Hospital in Northern New South Wales, show 12 staff were physically assaulted by patients during 2014/15 fiscal year. That number had tripled in five years, according to an article on the Northern Star website.
Of those 12 assaults, one resulted in medical expenses, lost time or restricted duties while a further nine required first aid treatment.
In comparison, 2010/11 figures show only one assault resulted in the need for first aid while the remaining three had no injury.
Union officials are asking for legislation that would clarify the role of security officers and allows them to protect themselves, staff and the public.
Cyberattack Results in Patient Reroutes at Anne Arundel Medical Center
Tangram Furnishes Be Well OC Irvine Behavioral Health Campus
Suntree Internal Medicine Reports Data Breach
Why Healthcare Facilities Management Is Critical to Patient Safety 
Sanford Health and North Memorial Health Finalize Partnership