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.

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

“Unfortunately, the numbers of people attending A&E because of alcohol or drug misuse increases at this time of year, which creates added pressures for our staff.

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

“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. In 2005 the Department established a Zero Tolerance Strategic Group (ZTSG) to address the issue of violence against healthcare staff.

2. The Minister launched the Zero Tolerance Publicity Campaign on 27 June 2007 at the Belfast City Hospital. The campaign saw floor and door graphics used within Trust’s and zero tolerance publicity displays (adshels) placed in strategic locations near to hospitals and health centres.

3. The Zero Tolerance logo will be now also be appearing on Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service media campaign materials and community safety promotions.

4. The total reported figures relating to violence with a breakdown by verbal and physical incidents are below. These figures represent the number of assaults up to 30 April 2008 and show an increase of over 100 in 2007/08 compared to the previous year.

2007-2008

Total number: 6,120; verbal: 1,801; physical: 4,319

2006 -2007

Total number: 6010; verbal: 1727; physical: 4283

2005 – 2006

Total number: 5382; verbal: 1792; physical: 3590

2004 – 2005

Total number: 5449; verbal: 1624; physical: 3825

5. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.