There are calls for improved security on the John Hunter Hospital campus after a nurse's vehicle was burnt-out in a staff carpark while she was working a night shift last week.
The nurse was on duty overnight from Tuesday into Wednesday when the blaze destroyed her vehicle, along with her wedding and engagement rings, which had been left inside.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said she was surprised that there were no CCTV cameras in the John Hunter Hospital carparks and she called on the NSW government to immediately invest in the security equipment.
She said staff had raised concerns with her about feeling unsafe walking to and from their vehicles late at night or early in the morning.
"Staff have reported ongoing issues with cars being broken into on a regular basis and cars being stolen from carparks," she said.
"Of greater concern is the reports from staff about feeling unsafe when leaving work and walking back to their cars after dark."
A Hunter New England Health spokesperson said John Hunter Hospital had security personnel on-site around the clock - five officers and a manager for the day shift and five officers for the night shift - who patrol the campus, including the carparks.
He said CCTV cameras were installed in "higher risk locations" such as emergency department and hospital entrances and exits.
"The safety of our people is paramount and John Hunter Hospital security officers can escort staff to and from their vehicles if required," the spokesperson said.
"Any security incident involving threats to staff, patients and/or visitors is subject to an internal investigation.
"Staff are also provided with support and access to counselling if required."
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to raise money for the nurse to go towards buying a new vehicle so she can get to and from work.
Fundraiser organiser Vicki Wilson wrote on the page that the incident "highlighted a flaw" with security measures in John Hunter's carparks.
"Both visitors and staff carpark need better security," she wrote.
"We will be asking JHH what they can do about this, to prevent anyone else from suffering the same fate."
