The Wire

Staff at Melbourne’s Western Hospital held a stop work protest today against following the escape of five psychiatric patients at the weekend. Health Services Union state secretary JEFF JACKSON said security guards and orderlies would implement work bans until hospital management commits to upgrading the security doors.But it’s not just Melbourne’s hospitals that are suffering. Lack of funding and resources is putting a strain on staff at mental health facilities across the nation – with some hospitals resorting to sedating patients in lieu of care.Major city, public hospital, nurse – “Connie” – spoke with The Wire’s Justina Legoe with the inside information on the mental healthcare crisis.