Crackdown on NHS staff abuse

A campaign is underway to remind people that attacks on NHS staff won't be tolerated, particularly as the festive season gets underway.

NHS campaign to protect staff

NHS staff should be able to go to work without fear of violence, abuse or harassment from patients or their relatives.

Violence not only puts healthcare workers at risk, but prevents them from doing their job, caring for others.

We have made significant progress in raising awareness of the problem, encouraging staff to report incidents of violence and aggression so prosecutions can be pursued.

Violence against NHS staff will simply not be tolerated. We have seen a huge rise in successful prosecutions, which I hope sends a clear message that we have a zero tolerance approach in operation. I want those who think they can get away with attacks on NHS staff to know they will feel the full weight of the law.

– Lesley Griffiths, Health Minister

Campaign launches against NHS staff abuse

A new campaign has been launched in an attempt to tackle abuse of NHS staff, particularly over the festive season.

The Health Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said a similar crackdown on offenders has resulted in more successful prosecutions against those who are abusive towards staff.

In 2008 - 2009 there were eight prosecutions for violence towards NHS staff. Over the last 30 months there have been 387 successful prosecutions.

The campaign uses posters in hospitals and surgeries across Wales warning that verbal or physical abuse will result in prosecution.

Advertisement