The Nurses Professional Association of Australia (NPAA) has called for urgent action to improve staff safety at Geelong University Hospital following the alleged assault of two midwives after a late-night shift.

NPAA President Kara Thomas has written to Victorian Health Minister Harriet Shing, Barwon Health Chief Executive Frances Diver, and other key stakeholders, calling for what she described as "systemic action" to address longstanding safety concerns raised by healthcare workers.

The letter follows a survey of hospital staff, which revealed widespread concerns about personal safety when travelling to and from work. Every respondent reported feeling unsafe walking to or from their vehicle, with many describing incidents involving harassment, intimidation, verbal abuse, vehicle break-ins, and physical threats.

According to the survey, many staff members said they had stopped reporting safety incidents because they believed "nothing would change".

The alleged assault of two midwives on 29 May has brought these concerns into sharp focus. Staff have reported being advised to walk in pairs after late-night shifts; however, many healthcare workers say this is not always practical.

One staff member explained:

"As a theatre staff member, our hours are not regular. The ability to buddy up to walk is not available at 1am."

Another healthcare worker described a pattern of concerning behaviour outside the hospital:

"I worked at University Hospital Geelong for eight years. In that time, predators repeatedly followed healthcare workers out of the hospital."

In her letter, Ms Thomas called on Barwon Health to introduce a range of measures that include: expanded 24/7 security escorts, improved lighting and CCTV coverage, increased staff parking closer to hospital entrances, and the reinstatement of a shuttle service previously used to transport staff safely to their vehicles.

Ms Thomas also urged Barwon Health to improve communication with staff following serious incidents.

"Staff should be immediately notified when incidents occur, not through the media or word of mouth."

The NPAA has requested a formal response outlining proposed actions and timelines to address staff safety concerns.

"Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to caring for others. They deserve to feel safe when arriving at work, during their shift, and when returning home to their families," Ms Thomas said.

The NPAA will continue advocating for practical solutions that protect nurses, midwives, and all healthcare workers in the workplace.