20.12.12
Welsh campaign launched to tackle violence against staff
Prosecutions for attacks on NHS staff in Wales rose significantly in the past year, statistics show. The figures are published alongside the launch of a new campaign warning against physical and verbal abuse against staff over Christmas.
North Wales Police is increasing patrols at three hospitals in anticipation of a rise in alcohol-related admissions. The Government said that increased co-operation between NHS, the police and the Criminal Prosecution Service (CPS) makes successful prosecution more likely.
From April 2010-October 2011, nearly 200 prosecutions were made, and from April 2010 to October 2012 there were 387, representing a significant increase.
Health minister Lesley Griffiths said: “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.”
Tina Donnelly, director of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Wales, said: “The knock-on effect of experiencing violence and aggression at work never really goes away.
“You are left with a psychological fear that if you don't de-escalate something like that in the workplace, you run the risk of it happening to you again.
“This really is a reminder to the public in Wales that there is a zero-tolerance and that health boards will take prosecutions forward – and that is serious.”
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