Calls for exclusion zones after protesters block entrances to Melbourne hospitals – Michmutters
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Calls for exclusion zones after protesters block entrances to Melbourne hospitals

The mother of a cancer patient being treated at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital said she was blocked by anti-vax protesters from entering the hospital over the weekend.

Karly Kirk, who had to be guided into the hospital, is now backing calls for protest exclusion zones to be implemented around major hospitals.

She was attempting to visit her 11-year-old daughter, Darcy, who is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare blood cancer.

Hundreds of protesters blocked staff, families and patients from entering the hospital over the weekend. (Nine)

“I was nervous and I was scared as I was coming through. It was like a pure rage that then escalated into tears,” Kirk said.

While the protesters claim they didn’t block the entrance to the hospital, videos show police officers having to flag cars through the crowd of around 200 anti-vaxxers.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Women’s Hospital were also targeted.

Emergency physician Dr Stephen Parnis said exclusion zones needed to be created to ban hospital protests.

“State and territory governments around the country need to keep looking at (exclusion zones),” he said.

Karly Kirk was attempting to visit her 11-year-old daughter, Darcy, who is undergoing chemotherapy for a rare blood cancer. (Nine)

“Healthcare workers and indeed our patients, need to have our safety and wellbeing looked after.

“This is one example of where that safety and those interests can be protected.”

Parnis said the protesters “crossed the line.”

“They are a very small minority. They shouldn’t be allowed to compromise the wellbeing of people on often the worst day of their life,” he said.

“There is always the potential that delays or intimidation can make a bad situation worse.

Emergency physician Dr Stephen Parnis said exclusion zones needed to be created to ban hospital protests. (Nine)

“When you have got chaos outside, and noise and difficulty getting through it, there is no good that can come out.”

A Victoria Police spokesperson said they were “extremely disappointed” with the behavior of the protesters choosing to target hospitals.

9News understands no protesters were arrested.

The Royal Children’s Hospital declined to comment on the protests.

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