Expansion of Virtual Security Centre enhancing safety in rural and remote health sites

WA Country Health Service is enhancing safety measures in country hospitals through the rapid expansion of its Virtual Security Centre (VSC).

The 24/7 centre uses specialised closed-circuit television (CCTV) technology to enable real-time support for regional hospitals and health services.

Launched in February 2024, the service was initially rolled out to health services in Bridgetown, Collie, Meekatharra, Hedland, Karratha, Kununurra, Fitzroy Crossing, and Halls Creek.

Following the success of that rollout, the service has since expanded to 60 sites across rural and remote WA, enhancing real-time monitoring and incident response capabilities to sites in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest and South West.

Some remote nursing posts in the Wheatbelt, Goldfields and Great Southern are also part of the expansion.

Importantly, the Centre has also expanded its workforce, significantly increasing operational capacity and coverage.

WA Country Health Service Chief Executive Jeff Moffet said the expansion strengthens their ability to prevent and manage workplace violence and aggression, supporting earlier intervention and escalation.

“Violence and aggression directed towards healthcare staff is completely unacceptable,” Mr Moffet said.

“We provide care for communities stretching across more the 2.55 million square kilometres, so it’s important we’re providing security for staff, patients and visitors – no matter how large or small the site is.

Mr Moffet said the service was already enhancing safety in some of the health service’s smallest sites.

“Staff at our nursing posts have reported to us much greater peace of mind since the system rolled out.

“More than 20,000 welfare checks have been conducted on staff, which is key to strengthening workplace safety and wellbeing.”

Acting Director Work Health Safety Security Ben Newman said the Virtual Security Centre is providing direct support for staff working in isolation by providing real-time monitoring and escalation pathways.

“We’ve got an excellent team of security professionals here supporting frontline healthcare staff.

“The service has proven to enhance safety and deter antisocial behaviour at our hospitals and health centres.”

As part of the expansion, WA Country Health Service has integrated a new role – the Mental Health Transport Officer – tasked with ensuring the safety of patients experiencing mental health issues and staff between country and metropolitan hospitals.

This role – previously undertaken by WA Police – is already demonstrating benefits, with 13 transfers completed across the state, further supporting sites in ensuring consumers receive the care they need.

The advanced security monitoring builds upon existing security measures such as on-the-ground CCTV and security personnel, duress alarms and access control systems.