Responding to the Early Day Motion in parliament calling for action against rising violence and aggression against NHS staff, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger, said:
“Rising levels of violence and aggression against NHS staff are sickening and completely unacceptable. It is shocking that many are forced to take time off or even leave the profession because of the physical and mental scarring that can result from these attacks.
“All healthcare workers have the right to do their jobs free from the threat of violence, and part of the solution is to see genuine enforcement of zero tolerance policies in hospitals. But this is not enough on its own. There is never any excuse for violence, but it is undeniably true that A&Es have become febrile environments as waits and incidences of corridor care have risen. Unless the government and employers act to tackle these issues head on, then the problem will only get worse.”
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Notes to editors
