Over 1,400 nursing and mental health staff in the West faced abusive attacks in past year

by Gráinne Connolly

Figures released by the Western Trust have shown that nursing and mental health staff are facing an increase in verbal and physical attacks. 

Across the Trust period, 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 there has been a total of 1,052 recorded incidents towards Nursing staff. 

During the same period, there were 358 reports of abuse towards Mental Health workers. 

A spokesperson for the Western Trust said it's committed to the Regional 'Zero Tolerance' campaign, which clearly states any form of attack on it's staff is unacceptable. 

"The Trust is concerned that any of their staff would experience any type of threatening behaviour in the course of their duty and would reiterate that this is not acceptable and firm action will always be taken in such incidents.

"Healthcare workers appreciate the support they receive from their patients and the public. No one wants to see attacks on Trust staff who are committed to providing high quality care and they must be allowed to carry out their role within a safe environment.”