Professor Denis King.
Bulli Hospital’s Emergency Primary Health Care Centre has had a name change after reports of nurses being threatened and verbally abused by community members confused about what services are on offer.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District chief Denis King said the word ‘‘emergency’’ in the name of the facility had created confusion and distress within the community.
MORE: What is an Urgent Primary Care Centre?
The name would be changed to ‘‘more clearly state the level of service provided at the facility’’, he said on Friday.
Professor King said the facility would now be known as the Bulli Urgent Primary Care Centre.
“We have been in transition to a new centre at Bulli since December. During that time staff have reported that some members of the public have been verbally abusive and have behaved in a threatening manner regarding the name of the centre and the level of service it provides,’’ Prof King said.
‘‘Clearly, this is of great concern.
‘‘The abuse of our staff will not be tolerated, no matter how passionate people may be about local services.
‘‘It is particularly disappointing that some members of the community have reacted this way towards those trying to help them.’’
Prof King said he was forced to act to ‘‘minimise the risk to staff’’.
‘‘Bulli Hospital’s Urgent Primary Care Centre will continue to offer urgent GP-type services – the same type of service that has been provided at Bulli for some years now, but between the hours of 7am and 10pm.’’