Over 6,300 violent incidents directed at NHS staff in Highland since 2020

The Highland Liberal Democrats are calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect NHS staff after figures revealed over 6,300 attacks against workers in the Highlands have been recorded in the last five years.

David Green, the party’s candidate at the 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 Highland Liberal Democrats, 6379 violent incidents against staff have been recorded by NHS Highland since 2020. Of those, 5466 were at hospital while other incidents were recorded across GP practices, dental practices, and in care settings.  

The Nuffield Trust warns 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 an obligation to ensure they can do their job without fear of violence or harassment.

“With incidents across NHS Highland remaining stubbornly high, 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 waiting times that leaves so many people frustrated will no doubt help address these issues.

“But we also need to show we value NHS and social care staff too. That is why the Liberal Democrats have set out a plan to introduce a Carers’ Minimum Wage where social care workers would be paid at least £2 an hour more than the current minimum wage.”

ENDS.