NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has condemned the “hooligan behaviour” of a large group of people who were filmed scuffling outside the emergency department at St George Hospital in Sydney’s south on Wednesday.
Despite the Minister’s call for arrests, however, news.com.au understands NSW Police is not pursuing the matter as it was a family argument related to a medical episode-related death.
Footage obtained by 2GB on Thursday showed the chaotic scene that took place just outside the hospital entrance.
Two men appeared to get in a scuffle before being held back by others, as more people poured out of the doors and joined in the shouting and commotion, some jumping over the metal railing.
“If you count up all of the people who get involved, there would be 20-plus people involved in this argument between two people are going back and forth and yelling things at each other while others are trying to hold them back and stop them from punching each other,” Fordham said.
“This is right outside the emergency department of St George Hospital where patients would be coming in and out with sick family members. We’re being told by NSW Police they believe someone had passed away due to a medical episode and then there was a scuffle that broke out.
“Now there were no punches thrown but it would have been scary for anyone involved.”
Mr Park told the radio station he was “very angry about this”.
“I’ve seen the video now a few times, I’m very, very disappointed,” he said.
“Emergency departments are really stressful places. People go there often on the worst day of their lives. They don’t need to see this hooligan-type behaviour outside an ED.
“We expect and hope NSW Police get hold of these people and charge them for this incident.”
NSW Police did not provide a statement.
No one has been arrested or charged over the incident.
Mr Park’s office declined to comment on the police’s decision not to pursue the matter further.
