The NSW Government will recruit an additional 129 full-time-equivalent frontline security staff, expanding full-time security coverage across 27 public hospitals.
The recruitment forms part of a $113 million investment in hospital safety and security, following consultation with NSW Health workers and unions.
Security Workforce Expanded Since 2023
Since 2023, NSW Health has recruited an additional 180 security staff across public hospitals, representing an increase of around 13 per cent in the hospital security workforce.
The latest 129 positions will further expand security staffing at hospitals identified as requiring additional frontline coverage.
The government has not yet published a full list of the 27 hospitals receiving the additional staff.
Hospitals Already Using Multiple Safety Measures
NSW Health facilities currently use a range of measures aimed at preventing and responding to aggression and violence.
These include:
- identifying patients at risk of escalating behaviour
- sharing relevant risk information between staff
- safety huddles at the start of shifts
- proactive security patrols
- duress and assistance systems for staff
- restricting unauthorised access to clinical areas
- CCTV monitoring in higher-risk locations
- violence prevention and management training.
NSW Health has also been trialling body-worn cameras for security staff at 15 hospitals, with that trial extended until November 2026.
Safety Taskforce Reviewing Further Measures
The recruitment will sit alongside the work of the NSW Health Safety Taskforce, established earlier in 2026.
The taskforce includes representatives from NSW Health, health unions and Local Health Districts and is examining ways to improve security systems, workforce capability and responses to occupational violence.
Its work also covers prevention and recovery following workplace incidents, consistency of security arrangements between facilities and staff wellbeing and retention.
The taskforce is expected to continue providing recommendations to NSW Health and the Health Minister as further safety measures are considered.
Emergency Departments a Particular Focus
The Health Services Union has welcomed the additional staffing while arguing that further measures are needed to prevent incidents before they occur.
Emergency departments are considered a particular pressure point because of the volume and complexity of patients entering hospitals, including people experiencing acute medical, behavioural or mental health issues.
The latest recruitment is intended to increase the presence of dedicated security personnel while NSW Health continues reviewing broader measures to protect staff, patients and visitors.