The measures are being put in place with a grant of over $60,000 from the health department, to improve security following an increase in aggressive incidents.

“We have had an increase in aggressive incidents in recent years,” acute services director Sandy Lebrun said.

“Now we’re a general hospital, it seems like we have a greater catchment area, and we’re providing a 24 hours a day, seven day a week service.

“Also with the increase in tourism we’ve seen the service being well utilised.

“Overall there seems to be a bit more violence in the community, so it was time to make sure the environment is as safe as possible.”

The department will have its own security guard, who will be stationed at the doors at night, and a security watch system will be installed, including new monitors and cameras in the area.

“We’re not just providing a secure area for staff, it’s also for people that might be visiting - we’ll have constant vision of those areas.”

A corridor will also be created into the department, which can be locked down for further safety, which will also benefit patients, because they can now discuss their reason for presenting to A&E in a confidential, secure area rather than in the corridor.

The upgrade will allow for improved storage, for possibly hazardous items to be locked away and the waiting room chairs are being replaced, and a toilet and shower will be installed in the accident and emergency department.

“A big problem has been there is no capacity to shower patients that may have been exposed to toxic agents.

“The nurse has had to leave the department to do it, which is not ideal.”

The upgrade should be completed in May.