But let's make another thing clear - the decision to switch off security cameras at Albury's mental health in-patient hub, Nolan House, is a poor one.

Understandably, the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association was upset with the decision, saying it was prompted by a demand from the Victorian Chief Psychiatrist on the grounds of respecting patient privacy.

Albury Wodonga Health defended the move, saying it was "in line with best contemporary practice".

It might be considered "best contemporary practice" but a quick check of The Border Mail's Facebook page after we published the story at 9.46am on Thursday reveals it doesn't pass the "pub test".

"I have been a patient here and can't believe it's even a consideration to not have CCTV. It is there for the safety of both the staff and the patients, and from my experience CCTV is an absolute must," one Border Mail reader, who's also been a patient at Nolan House, said.

Another noted: "I was a patient of Nolan House for a short time 12 months ago, it can be a scary place at times. To hear there are now no cameras is actually terrifying. I can guarantee I wouldn't feel safe either, the poor staff do such an incredible job and this is really letting them down".

We could go on, but you get the picture.

The safety of nurses and staff at facilities like Nolan House must be paramount.

IN OTHER NEWS:

There's no doubt the needs of patients must also be at the top of the priority list, but most people would agree that anyone suffering from a severe mental illness is more likely to get better treatment if the carers feel like they're working in a safe environment.

The cameras were closed circuit, meaning there's no invasion of patients' privacy, and were installed on the back of two separate coroner's recommendations.

We hope, for the sake of staff and patients alike at Nolan House, that this decision is overturned.

Their safety depends on it.