Almost 6,000 violent incidents directed at NHS staff in Highland since 2019

The Highland Liberal Democrats are calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect NHS staff after figures revealed almost 6,000 attacks against workers in the Highlands have been recorded since 2019.

David Green, the party’s candidate at the next Holyrood election for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, praised NHS staff for going "above and beyond" and warned there must be “zero tolerance towards any violence.”

According to freedom of information requests submitted by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, 5754 violence incidents against staff have been recorded by NHS Highland since 2019. In the last year alone, 1138 were reported.

According to the Nuffield Trust, health and social care workers are at a higher risk of violence at work than any other occupational groups in recent years. The independent health and social care think tank believes incidents may be underreported due to a lack of confidence in the reporting process or an acceptance that it is part of the job.

David Green, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said:

“NHS staff go above and beyond to provide people the care they need. In return, we have a moral obligation to ensure they can do their job without fear of violence or harassment.

“With incidents across NHS Highland stubbornly high year after year, it is clear the issue is not being adequately met. There should be zero tolerance towards any violence, it's not on.
 

“The Scottish Government, working with NHS Highland, needs to better understand what staff need to be safe. Investment to cut the waiting times that leaves so many people frustrated will no doubt help address these issues.”

ENDS.

Notes to editors: 

The number of incidents involving members of the public displaying violent behaviour towards NHS Highland staff:

More from the Nuffield Trust can be found here: Violence in the NHS | Nuffield Trust