Chief urges NHS ban for attackers

Around 20 NHS staff every day in Wales complain of abuse Pubs ban threat for NHS violence

A senior police officer has called for people who abuse health service workers to be stopped from using NHS services unless for life-threatening instances.

Barbara Wilding, chief constable of South Wales Police, spoke out as she signed a deal for violence against NHS staff to be more fully investigated.

Figures show there were more than 7,000 violent or aggressive incidents in the NHS in Wales in 2007-2008.

The Unison union said the agreement would be a "significant step forward".

Ms Wilding signed the deal, a memorandum of understanding allowing new protocols for investigating incidents against health workers, on behalf of Wales' four police forces.

Speaking at the event at Morriston Hospital in Swansea, she said a tough approach needed to be taken against such offenders, which could include them no longer being allowed to use NHS services.

It is a sanction not contained in the memorandum of understanding.

The deal affects the referral of cases to police, evidence gathering and the provision of statements, post-incident reviews and support for victims through the court procedure.

The changes will be bolstered by a forthcoming reorganisation of the NHS, where newly-established health bodies will each be required to appoint named individuals at executive director and non-officer levels who will focus on the problem of violence within their own organisations.

In July, an assembly audit committee found there had been a "lack of urgency" in tackling the problem.

Their report said assaults were still under-reported because many workers did not believe action would be taken against their attacker.

'Physical assaults'

Speaking ahead of the launch, Ms Hart said she was "determined to stamp out violence and aggression against NHS staff".

She said: "It is unacceptable that NHS staff face wilful violence and aggression in going about their day-to-day duties caring for patients.

"Some incidents may take the form of verbal abuse while others may lead to physical assaults. However, neither are acceptable and cause unnecessary stress to staff who are trying to do their job.

"Such behaviour by a minority of patients and visitors not only harm staff but other patients and visitors."

The agreement has been welcomed by health service unions.

Unison's Dave Galligan said: "It will allow staff to be more confident that the perpetrators will have to answer for their actions in the future."

'Care and counselling'

Tina Donnelly, the director of the Royal College of Nursing in Wales (RCN), who also attended the event, said: "A strong commitment is imperative to reducing violent and aggressive behaviour and eliminating barriers to reporting incidents of violence.

"It is important to establish a culture of acceptance for reporting violent incidents as this is a positive step toward creating a safer work environment. Procedures for reporting violent incidents should be clear and staff should have access to care and counselling following an incident, if needed."

In 2007, the assembly government signed an agreement with the Criminal Prosecution Service to ensure the effective prosecution of people who assault or abuse NHS staff.

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