Member for Mudgeeraba, Ros Bates MP has launched a grassroots petition to pressure the Labor Government to deliver a dedicated 24 hour Police Beat at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH).
Ms Bates, a registered nurse who recently accompanied staff during a shift at GCUH, raised concerns about security officers often being preoccupied with security incidents for hours, leaving staff, patients and visitors at risk. To secure public safety, she says a Police Beat will be required in the near future.
“In the next three years, the population surrounding Gold Coast University Hospital, including Griffith University, the Commonwealth Games Village and a planned private hospital, will increase to that of a small regional town,” said Ms Bates.
“We need to act now to ensure that the Gold Coast’s largest hospital is secure, and that will ultimately mean ensuring an ongoing Police presence at this major health hub.
“That is why I have launched a new petition which urges the Labor Government to deliver a manned 24 hour on site Police Beat at Gold Coast University Hospital.
“This will allow Police to respond quickly to any security breaches or instances of alcohol and drug fueled violence toward our health and hospital staff, the maximum penalties for which have doubled under the former LNP Government’s Safe Night Out Strategy to fourteen years in jail.
“While I have already forced the Minister for Health to nearly double the security presence at Gold Coast University Hospital, a dedicated Police Beat is my next step to securing safety in this area.”
Ms Bates is urging local residents to visit the Queensland Parliament website and sign her petition at http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petition?PetNum=2501