Security not good enough to prevent rape of baby: report
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Updated
(Cathy Harper)
A report by the Territory's Health and Community Services Complaints Commissioner has found that the paediatric ward of Royal Darwin Hospital did not have sufficient security to prevent the rape of a baby two years ago.
The Commissioner Carolyn Richards has recommended that security cameras be installed in the ward and that compensation be paid to the child and her parents.
The NT Health Minister Chris Burns has blasted his department for being slow to implement security measures at Royal Darwin Hospital after the incident.
In parliament, Dr Burns said a security camera and swipe card system are now in place, but it's not enough and the Health Department is now on notice.
"That there is to be no more foot dragging in relation to implementation of the recommendations within this report. And anyone who stands in the way, anyone who drags their feet, anyone who who tries to delay for whatever reason or who isn't committed to it they can be out the door Madame Speaker."
The Minister received the report on Monday, but has only spoken about it today.
The Opposition's health spokesman Matt Conlan says the Minister's response is too little too late.
"Minister how can you with a straight face deny personal responsibility for this astonishing failure to responsibly look after the Royal Darwin Hospital. Minister as we've said previously and we'll say it again, Minister you are either a coward or a liar."
The general manager of Royal Darwin Hospital Doctor Len Notaras says staff have also been traumatised by the rape and he completely supports the Minister's comments.
"As the Minister said should have moved more quickly," he said.
"I want it personally to move more quickly, and will do everything in my power to move it along. I know David Ashbridge as the chief executive of the department is of the same mind."
A short time ago Mr Ashbridge released a statement.
He says the Department sincerely regrets the "distressing" incident, and that he's committed to seeing that the Minister's proposed security changes are put in place.
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