RCN responds to violence against staff figures
Published: 08 November 2007
Responding to the announcement of the number of physical assaults against NHS staff in England RCN General Secretary Dr Peter Carter said today;
“It’s encouraging to see the number of attacks on NHS staff falling, but it’s a sad fact that less than two percent of all attacks on staff have resulted in criminal sanctions against the offender. Violence against staff is simply unacceptable and the system has been failing victims of assault because too many attackers have gone without prosecution.
“Nurses were pleased to see the recent government pledge to invest £97 million to tackle violence against NHS staff. These words now need to be turned into action so that NHS staff can provide patient care without fear of attack and with the knowledge that offenders will be prosecuted.”
-ends-
Notes to Editors
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.