Minister calls for Peace and Goodwill toward Healthcare staff and Emergency workers

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has today called on the public to show peace and goodwill to healthcare staff and the emergency services during the Christmas and New Year period.

Healthcare staff and emergency services continue to be subjected to verbal and physical abuse on a daily basis. Last year alone there were over 6,000 cases of abuse against healthcare staff - This is not acceptable.

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said, “It is appalling to think that those who dedicate themselves to saving lives and to public service should be subjected to any form of abuse.

“As Christmas and the New Year period approaches, it is worth remembering that at this time of the year many of us may have to call on the emergency services or attend hospitals as either patients or visitors.

“Healthcare staff and the emergency services work tirelessly and selflessly 365 days a year - 24 hours a day.

“I would therefore appeal to everyone at this festive time, to show our healthcare workers and the emergency services common courtesy and give these dedicated staff a Christmas that is free from violence and abuse.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The aim of the Zero Tolerance Strategic Group (ZTSG) is to develop and promote Best Practice Guidance in order to achieve a cultural shift in the approach and attitude towards HSC whilst acknowledging the rights and responsibilities of staff, patients and service users in order to eradicate violence from the workplace.

2. Minister launched the Zero Tolerance Publicity Campaign on 27th June 2007 at the Belfast City Hospital. The publicity campaign is just one strand of a number of initiatives being examined by the ZTSG.

3. The campaign saw floor and door graphics used within each Trust and zero tolerance publicity displays (adshels) placed in strategic locations near to hospitals and health centres. A radio advertisement highlighting the campaign also ran following the launch and in partnership with the PSNI advertising space was secured with On-Screen Solutions.

4. The table below shows the total reported figures relating to violence with a breakdown by verbal and physical.

* This figure represents the first six months to 30 September 2007

5. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571. Out outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.