POVB – Critical incident – March 2019 (PDF version)

Members would be aware a critical incident took place on a hospital escort at Lismore.

We wish to inform members the staff involved and the staff at Lismore Court Cell Complex are coping well considering the situation.

CSNSW has responded well to the situation and has given a level of support we have never seen in our careers. EAPS was there on the weekend and has been supporting the staff. CESU management was present over the weekend and supported staff with their dealings with police, EAPS and other outside agencies.

The two staff are coping well and management has offered them time off if needed. There is no discussion on suspensions and security measures have been put in place to support them in the future.

Nicole Jess and Natalie Howes attended Lismore on Monday, 18 March 2019 and assisted with police interviews as an independent for one staff member and during a staff debrief. Natalie then attended Grafton on Tuesday, 19 March 2019 for another police interview with a staff member.

The staff involved have been overwhelmed with the support that they have received from CSNSW, PSA/POVB and staff and members in general.

We commend CSNSW for all it has have done in a very difficult situation. We have not experienced this type of support in more than 20 years.

PSA/POVB will continue to assist and support all staff in the Lismore Court Cell Complex with any issues or support that may be required in the future due to this incident.

Contact details:

• Nicole Jess – Chairperson
  0427 609 199
• Jason Charlton – Vice Chairperson
  0401 500 976
• Thor Sutherland – Country Chairperson
  0447 633 476
• Natalie Howes – Secretary
  0407 011 441
• Raylene Thompson – Secretary
  0430 110 239
• Darren King – Assistant Secretary
  0407 935 039
• David McCauley – POVB Industrial Officer
  0419 022 767