RCN calls for prevention and prosecution when it comes to attacks on NHS staff

Published: 05 November 2008

Responding to the annual figures on violence against NHS staff, Janet Davies, Executive Director for Nursing and Service Delivery of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

“It is completely unacceptable that physical assaults on nurses and other NHS staff have risen in the past year. While more staff are reporting assaults, a step in the right direction, indicating confidence there will be follow up action, too many employers are failing to put the time and the resources into measures that prevent attacks on staff in the first place. In fact, in the absence of effective employer action, the RCN has created guidance for nurses and employers outlining how to reduce the risk of attacks in their workplace.

“The NHS needs to pursue prosecution more vigorously. With less than three per cent of attackers receiving some sort of criminal sanction, it’s very clear that the system is continuing to fail attacks - a poor deterrent for would-be attackers.

“The RCN is calling on employers, the Government and the criminal justice system to work with nurses and all staff to ensure that violence prevention measures are put in place, in every part of the NHS and that all perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The RCN’s Work-Related Violence Tool was created by nurses, for themselves and their employers. Users of the Tool will get practical advice and tips on conducting risk assessments and problem-solving techniques to help them address work-related violence issues.

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Notes to Editors

The RCN Work-related Violence Tool is available to downloaded now from our website at www.rcn.org.uk/publications

For further information, interviews or illustrations please contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/news/mediacentre.php

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.