RCN calls on employers to protect staff from violence

Published: 16 November 2009

The Royal College of Nursing describes the number of physical assaults on nurses and other health care staff in the NHS in England as 'completely unacceptable' and says that lone workers continue to be put at risk despite a government scheme to fund alarm devices and training.

The comments come in response to the publication of the annual figures on physical assaults against NHS staff in England which show there were 54,758 reported physical assaults in 2008/9.

The RCN acknowledges the slight decline in reported numbers but says that too many employers are failing to invest in measures to prevent attacks on staff in the first place.

RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary Dr Peter Carter says:

"Employers must take responsibility for these vulnerable workers, not only by making use of the technology available but by having a full package of measures to ensure that staff who work in the community are protected. Staff across the NHS deserve to have their safety taken seriously by their employers, the government and the criminal justice system."