Champion To Drive Forward Measures To Tackle Violence And Aggression Against NHS Staff, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 22 May 2008 - 6:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Health Minister Edwina Hart will today appoint David Francis, the chair of Cwm Taff NHS Trust and former senior police officer to drive forward measures to protect NHS staff from violence and aggression.

The Assembly Government commissioned a report to identify effective measures to tackle violence and aggressions against health professionals.

The report, prepared by a group led by Dave Galligan, head of health for Unison in Wales, included representatives from healthcare unions, Association of Chief Police Officers, the Health and Safety Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government. David Wallace from the Royal College of Nursing in Wales was seconded to the Assembly Government to help develop the proposals.

The group's final report says:

- Police should be patrolling NHS premises to deter perpetrators of violence and reassure patients and staff;
- Extend the use of CCTV and lone worker alert system;
- The existing all-Wales violence and aggression training passport scheme should be incorporated into all NHS staff training;
- Trusts must ensure they work with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure the effective prosecution of perpetrators of violence;
- Employers must encourage and support victims of attacks to act as witnesses in any prosecutions; and,
- Staff should have free access to solicitors to pursue prosecutions and the recovery of additional costs incurred resulting from violent and aggressive acts at work.

Speaking ahead of the announcement at the Wales TUC Conference in Llandudno, Edwina Hart said: "David Francis as former Deputy Chief Constable of South Wales Police has considerable experience in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. I believe he has the right skills from both the police and health services to take forward these extremely important recommendations to make a real difference for staff and patients.

"I want to thank the group for their report which contains many recommendations that would make a real difference to staff. Work on costing and prioritising the recommendations is currently underway. When this work has been done we will publish a detailed plan which will show staff exactly what actions we will be taking over the next few years to tackle violence and aggression against NHS staff.

"David will act as a champion on this matter and lead on the development of a publicity strategy to ensure the message is clear to NHS staff that the matter is being treated seriously and to show what is being done to address the issue."

David Francis, chair of Cwm Taf NHS Trust and All-Wales Violence and Aggression Champion, added: "I welcome the opportunity to lead in this important work. NHS staff are our most valuable asset. They come to work because they want to improve life for patients and carers. They deserve our full support and protection. I look forward to linking with other agencies, and the public, to ensure this happens."

Dave Galligan, head of health at Unison in Wales, who led the violence and aggression group, said: "This report highlights what needs to be done but it has the added value of the Welsh Assembly Government commitment to deliver changes in the workplace. Health staff can look forward to a safer working environment where their safety is given the priority it deserves."

Richard Jones, Interim Director of RCN Wales, said: "Violent attacks and aggressive behaviour towards NHS staff has become a blight upon the provision on health services. We have been pleased to support our members by raising this issue with government and then working collaboratively to find solutions. We welcome this strong message from the Welsh Assembly Government that it will no longer be tolerated and that staff will be protected and supported to pursue prosecutions. The message to the small but increasing section of the public who feel it is right to abuse nursing staff is, 'respect our members or face the consequences in the courts.'"

Wales TUC Head of Policy and Campaigns, Derek Walker, said: "This is an excellent new initiative, driven forward by trade unions in Wales working in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government to deliver for frontline NHS staff who are often at risk of violence and aggression against them.

"That the Assembly Government has fully accepted the recommendations is a testament to all the parties involved and trade unions will be continuing to work with key partners to see the measures outlined in the report are implemented effectively."

Notes:

The Health Minister Edwina Hart will address the Wales TUC Conference at 12noon at the Venue Cymru, The Promenade, Llandudno.

http://www.nhs.uk/