Albury Wodonga Health has reported a significant 80 per cent increase in incidents of violence and aggression towards its staff.

Around 30 to 40 cases of violence and aggression are now being recorded weekly, leading to staff members taking mental health leave or exiting the health sector entirely.

Encounters range from physical assaults, such as being struck or spat on, to verbal abuse, including threats against staff and their families.

The emergency department at the hospital has borne the brunt of these incidents, with the Albury location experiencing four times more incidents each month compared to its Wodonga counterpart. 

The inpatient mental health unit and medical wards also reported high numbers of violence and aggression.

Insiders attribute the rise in such incidents to societal pressures, long wait times, and an improvement in staff reporting mechanisms. 

Despite the increase in reported cases, there is a belief that many incidents still go unreported, pointing to a deeper issue within the sector.

In response, Albury Wodonga Health has initiated the “It's OK To Step Away” campaign, aiming to empower staff with strategies to manage and report violent incidents while highlighting the policy of refusing care to patients posing a risk to staff safety.

Meanwhile, Goulburn Valley Health in Shepparton has reported success in reducing both the number and severity of occupational violence and aggression (OVA) incidents through comprehensive safety initiatives, setting a hopeful precedent for other health services grappling with similar challenges.