Logan Hospital in southeast Queensland has reopened after going into lockdown following reports of an armed man inside the facility. Police swiftly restricted access to the building in response to calls and social media reports of a man carrying a gun at the hospital around 11.20am on Wednesday.
Queensland Police confirmed the man who had been the subject of the calls had been located at 12.50pm.
However, it is understood the reports of a gun were incorrect.
The lockdown was lifted at 1.15pm with no injuries reported.
People were locked in rooms for almost two hours while the incident unfolded.
A witness earlier claimed they had seen a man armed with a rifle.
'A guy came up the ramp with a rifle. Everyone rushed in and got taken out of the waiting room to behind the solid door,' they wrote on social media.
'The hospital is on code black. The gunman is outside. We've been in lockdown for almost an hour.'
Reylien Wessling had been discharged just moments before the lockdown.
'We were under lockdown for 45 minutes. It was very scary I am still shaking,' she told the Courier Mail.
'My husband was coming to pick me up but he couldn't until the lockdown had been lifted.'
The incident caused significant disruption to the hospital's operations. Ambulances were temporarily diverted to nearby hospitals, and a small number of appointments were delayed. However, Logan Hospital reassured the public that the situation had been resolved, and the hospital was safe for patients, staff, and visitors.
Response and Aftermath
Logan and Beaudesert Health Service executive director Anne Coccetti confirmed the hospital had reopened, highlighting the safety of patients, staff, and the community as their top priority. She expressed gratitude to the Queensland Police Service and the hospital staff for their swift and effective response to the incident.
In a statement released around two hours after the incident was first reported, Logan Hospital reassured the public that it was “open and it is safe to attend to receive emergency and planned care”.
“There was an incident managed by the Queensland Police Service earlier, which has now been resolved,” the statement said.
“The safety of patients, staff and the community is our number one priority.
“All patients, visitors and staff are safe, and there were no injuries relating to this incident.
“We thank the Queensland Police Service and our staff for quickly and safely implementing incident response procedures.”
Investigation and No Further Action
A police spokesperson said: 'Police were called to Logan Hospital at around 11.20am following reports of an armed person.
'As a precaution, access to the hospital was restricted and members of the public were asked to avoid the area if possible.
'Following a thorough search of the area, police located a male and no threat was detected. Officers have spoken with the man and there will be no further action taken by police.'
The incident highlights the importance of swift and decisive action by emergency services in response to potential threats. The quick response and thorough investigation by the Queensland Police Service ensured the safety of patients, staff, and the community, ultimately leading to the lifting of the lockdown and a return to normal operations at Logan Hospital.
A Tense Wait
The incident underscores the anxiety and fear that can arise when such situations unfold. People inside the hospital were forced to wait in lockdown for almost two hours, fearing the worst. The experience serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces and the need for vigilance in ensuring safety and security. It also highlights the importance of clear and timely communication from authorities during such incidents, helping to alleviate anxiety and reassure the public.
The incident at Logan Hospital is a reminder of the importance of responsible reporting and the potential impact of misinformation. While social media played a role in spreading initial reports of the incident, it also helped to facilitate communication among those affected. Ultimately, the successful resolution of the situation underscores the importance of collaboration and quick action between police, healthcare professionals, and the public in maintaining safety and security in public spaces.
