RCN condemns attacks on staff

Published: 30 November 2012

Under embargo 09:30 30 November 2012
RCN condemns attacks on staff
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) today commented on new figures showing that attacks on NHS staff have risen in the past year.

 Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the RCN said:“No member of staff should come to work in the NHS and be subjected to or even fear assault. The fact that assaults are increasing is a matter of grave concern for the RCN. Of course, there are some instances where assaults or aggressive behaviour are related to a clinical condition, but employers must do more to prevent them. There are measures advocated by NHS Protect which can help to reduce assaults against staff, from the threat of prosecution to providing alarms for lone workers and a calm environment in hospitals. However, too often these are not the reality our members experience on the ground.

“We are particularly concerned that this increase could be due to increasing waiting times, reduced staffing levels and a growing level of frustration at the NHS struggles to cope. Our message to employers is clear: there are measures you can take to protect your staff, and they must be taken in order to reduce the individual suffering and the time off work which these assaults can bring.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information, please contact the RCN Media Office on 020 7647 3633, press.office@rcn.org.uk or visit  http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
2. The 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