One Nation's Dale McNamara kicked off a week of campaigning by announcing that if elected he would argue on the floor of parliament for 24 hour security at Scone Hospital.

The same week, Shooters candidate Sue Gilroy called for an increased security presence at Muswellbrook and Scone hospitals.

It comes as Health Services Union NSW secretary Gerard Hayes revealed the struggles experienced by local healthcare workers who are being put at risk and often have to play the role of security guard due to shortages.

"There is a constant risk of violence at hospitals due to drug and alcohol affected patients as well as those suffering from mental health issues," Mr Hayes said.

"That is why it is essential for security staff to be in place at all times."

One Nation MLC Rod Roberts said his conversations with staff at Scone Hospital revealed that Health Security Assistants are only on duty at the hospital on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, leaving no security from Monday to Thursday.

"This situation would never occur in Sydney. Why should the safety of nurses, patients and other staff at Scone Hospital be treated any differently to people in Sydney," Mr Roberts said.

"I have written to the Minister for Health stating my concern that the lack of security has created an unsafe environment for both staff and patients."

Shooters candidate Sue Gilroy expressed her concerns for not only Scone but Muswellbrook hospital staff, raising the point that last year there were 818 assaults in NSW hospitals.

"We need to see two more security people employed to be 24/7 and we need to ensure that health and security assistants focus is first and foremost security both in a proactive and reactive way," she said.

The fact that Scone Police Station closes at 1am was also a point raised by both candidates, who have advocated for 24 hour community protection across the Upper Hunter.

The policing issue is one Ms Gilroy believes is particularly prevalent in Singleton, and has called for investment in the Singleton Police Station in order for it to operate 24 hours a day.

"It's terrifying to know that if a crime takes place after hours, the victim has to wait for a response from the Muswellbrook Police Station, a 40 plus minute drive away," she said.

NSW Labor have committed to allocating $17 million to the Singleton station to improve community safety if elected.