Emergency procedures were enacted by Byron Central Hospital management after a man with a rifle was seen near the grounds last Thursday.
Detective Chief Inspector, Matt Kehoe, confirmed with The Echo that hospital security alerted police.
He said, ‘Police attended Parkway Drive, Ewingsdale about 1.15pm [on Thursday] after calls about a man in the bush with a firearm’.
‘Police spoke with the property owner and another male who was in possession of a rifle.
Licensed owner
‘The male with the rifle was a licensed firearm owner and complying with the conditions of his licence’.
A spokesperson for Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) told The Echo, ‘The safety of patients, staff and visitors is our number one priority’.
‘Northern NSW Local Health District has detailed emergency procedures in place to respond to an identified risk, threat or hazard that may impact the security of patients, staff and visitors.
‘On Thursday, September 19, Byron Central Hospital enacted its emergency procedures for a brief period as a precautionary measure in response to an incident on an adjoining property.
‘Police were notified and attended the hospital campus. No staff or patients were harmed and there was no impact to patient care or services’.
Det Ch Insp Matt Kehoe added, ‘Bush turkeys are a native bird and protected.
‘Fines apply should they be killed’.
‘There was no evidence that any birds had been harmed. People are reminded that native birds and animals are protected and must not be destroyed unless a permit is provided.
‘It is also encouraged that when licensed firearms owners are undertaking vermin control, they should advise neighbours and/or police, particularly in residential areas.
‘No offences were detected’.
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