New figures show 9,213 Code Black incidents have been reported across South Australian hospital and health sites during the first six months of 2026.
Code Black calls for urgent/emergency assistance are made by staff who perceive that their safety, or that patients/or other people is at risk from threatening behaviours.
The latest figures, revealing persistently high levels of violence and aggression in SA public hospitals, has prompted the state government to hold a new roundtable later this year aimed at identifying further measures to better protect healthcare workers, including nurses.
The roundtable will bring together stakeholders from across government, SA health, emergency services, unions, community groups and consumers to better understand the causes of violence in healthcare settings and identify potential solutions.
The roundtable will examine the underlying drivers of violence and aggression towards healthcare workers, identify gaps in current prevention and response measures, and consider opportunities for stronger collaboration across government, health services and the broader community. Findings and recommendations from the discussion will aim to help inform future initiatives to improve safety for staff, patients and visitors.
Code Black incidents are declared in response to actual or threatened aggression and can also be used as a preventative measure to help staff safely de-escalate potentially volatile situations before violence occurs. Incidents are recorded in SA Health’s Safety Learning System (SLS).
The SA government says the roundtable will build on a range of initiatives already underway across SA Health to prevent and respond to violence and aggression in healthcare settings.
These include security upgrades underway in metropolitan and regional hospitals and incorporated into redevelopment projects. Upgrades include expanded and enhanced CCTV coverage, improved access controls and duress alarm systems, security screens, additional external lighting and security fencing.
ANMF (SA Branch) CEO Adj Assoc Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said violence and aggression against nurses, midwives and personal care workers remains a significant and growing issue across South Australia’s health system.
“ANMF (SA Branch) has long advocated for stronger protections for nurses, midwives and personal care workers, including through our 10-Point Plan to End Violence and Aggression in Healthcare Settings, which has been endorsed by the South Australian Government,” she said.
“We look forward to contributing to the Code Black Roundtable and discussing practical solutions that help address this multifaceted and complex issue.
“Meaningful change requires listening to frontline workers and working together to improve safety for staff, as well as patients and their families.”
