Attacks on health and social care staff will not be tolerated - McGimpsey

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has said that attacks on health and social care staff will not be tolerated.

The Minister was speaking as figures showing reported incidents of verbal and physical assaults on health and social care staff from 1 October 2008 - 31 March 2009 were released.

Michael McGimpsey said: "Since I came into office, a zero tolerance campaign has been running. This has included strengthening the law to ensure that people who are violent and abusive are dealt with fully. A new piece of legislation to allow the removal of those who create a nuisance or disturbance from hospital premises will become effective shortly.

"The campaign also includes training for staff and personal alarms, a dedicated senior director in each health and social care organisation who has responsibility for staff safety.

"A leaflet has also been issued to the public which emphasises that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that people dedicated to caring for the community receive the respect they deserve, and are allowed to do their duties free from abuse."

The Minister continued: "It is therefore very disappointing to see that staff are still being subjected to attacks. It is deplorable and will not be tolerated. While the zero tolerance campaign has had some success, the marked increase in cases in the Belfast Trust is unacceptable and this increase will be fully investigated. I have no doubt that in many cases alcohol is an underlying factor.

"I wish to reinforce the message of zero tolerance: zero tolerance on attacks; zero tolerance on abuse; and zero tolerance on threatening behaviour. I will do all I can to ensure that the law is strengthened even further to deal with people who are violent and abusive to our staff who are performing life-saving jobs."

Notes to Editors:

1. Details of reported incidents of verbal and physical assaults on staff from 1 October 2008 - 31 March 2009: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: 463 Verbal; Physical 1068; Total: 1531 Northern Health and Social Care Trust: 159 Verbal; 483 Physical; Total: 642 South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 119 Verbal; 224 Physical: Total: 343 Southern Health and Social Care Trust: 145 Verbal; 313 Physical; Total: 458 Western Health and Social Care Trust: 185 Verbal; 362 Physical; Total 547 Northern Ireland Ambulance Service: 53 Verbal; 48 Physical; Total 101.

2. Details of reported incidents of Verbal and Physical Assaults on Health Care Staff 1 April 2008 - 30 September 2008: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust: 310 Verbal; Physical 690; Total: 1000 Northern Health and Social Care Trust: 188 Verbal; 556 Physical; Total: 744 South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust: 67 Verbal; 237 Physical: Total: 304 Southern Health and Social Care Trust: 171 Verbal; 324 Physical; Total: 495 Western Health and Social Care Trust: 190 Verbal; 368 Physical; Total 558 Northern Ireland Ambulance Service: 38 Verbal; 38 Physical; Total 76.

3. Since 2007, all Health and Social Care (HSC) employers have had zero tolerance policies in place. A senior director with accountability for staff safety has been nominated in each organisation. Over 12,000 free personal alarms have been issued to HSC staff.

4. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520579 or out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.