The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to the highest level of safety and security of staff and patients at the Wilfred Lopes Centre – Tasmania’s dedicated secure forensic mental health facility.
While it is not appropriate to comment on specific security arrangements at the Wilfred Lopes Centre, I do want to reiterate that Government takes the issue of staff security seriously.
A Right to Information request released today, and posted online, shows there have been 16 assaults or attempted assaults in the five years to July.
I am advised that the particular incidents of concern have been considered through the Tasmanian Health Service serious incident review processes.
Following a security review earlier this year, improved security arrangements were put in place and new security is well progressed.
Any threat or injury to staff or patients is unacceptable and the Government is acting to ensure the safety of all who work or receive treatment in this facility.