Nurse allegedly assaulted at Victorian forensic mental health hospital

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 01:39 · Archive

A nurse was allegedly sexually assaulted by a patient at Thomas Embling Hospital, Victoria's only forensic mental health facility, on Monday.

Police are investigating an alleged sexual assault on a nurse at Thomas Embling Hospital in Fairfield, Victoria, which occurred on Monday. The alleged assault is believed to have been carried out by a patient at the facility. Thomas Embling Hospital is Victoria's only forensic mental health facility and treats patients found not guilty of serious violent crimes because of mental illness.

Forensicare, the hospital operator, said its primary concern was supporting the welfare and safety of those involved. WorkSafe Victoria is aware of the allegations and inspectors are making inquiries to determine whether further action is needed. Maddy Harradence, the nurses union secretary, said she was aware of the "serious incident" and would focus on supporting members during "this difficult time".

The incident occurs as politicians and advocacy groups highlight rising violence against healthcare workers. New figures reveal violence in Victoria's public hospitals has surged by more than 60 per cent in four years, with a record 26,730 incidents last year—an average of 73 every day. The Victorian Greens have backed calls from frontline doctors and nurses for specialist security and more staff.

How it is being reported

• Nurse sexually assaulted at high-security hospitalInvestigations are underway after a nurse was allegedly sexually assaulted in a high-security hospital that mentally ill prisoners are sent to instead of jail.The West Australian · 6 Nov, 01:08
• Nurse sexually assaulted at high-security hospitalInvestigations are underway after a nurse was allegedly sexually assaulted in a high-security hospital that mentally ill prisoners are sent to instead of jail.Perth Now · 6 Nov, 01:08

In this story: Thomas Embling Hospital · Forensicare · Victoria · Maddy Harradence · WorkSafe Victoria · Victorian Greens

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log