"Could be highly problematic": Reduced police ED handover time could add extra pressure for staff

Nurses fear a shorter Police handover for mental health patients could compromise staff and patient safety at ED.  

The fourth stage of Police withdrawing from callouts involves cutting the handover time from an hour to 30 minutes after the initial 15 minute target was ruled unsafe.  

Nurses' Society National Director David Wills says Police stay in ED to offer support and restrain the patient when necessary.  

He told Ryan Bridge about 20% of the time, handovers exceed an hour.  

Wills says 30 minutes is potentially highly problematic as it puts a lot of extra pressure on health professionals and ED staff.  

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