Over twice the assaults on Primary Care staff
Over the past two years the proportion of assaults on primary care staff has more than doubled. Data has revealed that during 2013/2014, there were 1,731 reported assaults on primary care staff, this amounts to 24 per 1,000, which resulted in seven criminal sanctions.
This significant increase is alarming when compared to the figures from 2011/2012 which showed 9 assaults pr 1,000 registered NHS staff.
Richard Hampton, NHS Protect head of external engagement and services said, ‘No NHS staff should be physically assaulted and we encourage staff who are victims of violence to press charges against assailants. Those who work in the NHS have the right to provide care in a safe environment. Employers must do all they can to support staff in preventing incidents and pursuing offenders.’
The BMA backed efforts to increase the number of criminal convictions for culprits found guilty of assaulting GPs and their staff, with GPC deputy chair Dr Richard Vautrey warning that as cuts take their toll on surgeries, GPs find it tougher and tougher to meet patient demands, ‘the risk that patients take out their frustration on those who are trying to help them increases.’
The disconcerting increase in assaults has raised concerns among primary health care providers, whether any action will be taken remains to be seen.
