SAFETY concerns at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara have been raised a mentally-ill patient reportedly smashed the glass door of the Operating Theatre entrance (old Labor Ward) on Thursday, 26th June 2025.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday around 5:50am causing fear amongst the nursing officers, patients and guardians.
According to an on duty nurse at the time, the patient was trying to force his way into the ward.
“He was trying to open the door, which was locked, so he ended up smashing the glass section of the door with a piece of iron.
“I was afraid, but luckily, the security team rushed to the scene,” she recalled.
The incident has raised concerns over patient and staff safety, as number of mentally ill patients from the acute mental health unit, are often seen roaming freely around the hospital premises and the neighboring Lowd Howe Settlement.
One patient, who didn’t want to be named, said the incident shows there are big problems with hospital security.
“In my opinion, these kinds of patients should be placed in a more secure environment and far from public areas.
“It’s not safe for them to be moving freely around people who are very ill. What happened last night shows that it’s dangerous for everyone,” he said.
The rising number of mentally-ill people is also a concern in Honiara now.
By TIMOTHY INIFIRI JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
