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THE Scottish government faces calls for “strong and speedy action” as NHS workers have faced more than 51,000 violent incidents in five years.
The shocking figures were revealed today under a Lib Dem freedom of information requests just weeks after it was revealed that front-line workers in Scotland faced an average of 60 attacks every day – with health staff bearing the brunt on 31.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton called on the Scottish government to work to “understand what staff need to be safe,” but warned of “chronic under-reporting.”
Unison Scotland health co-lead Matt Mclaughlin said: “No-one should be assaulted at their work.
“NHS staff tell us that frustrations with long wait times are being taken out on them when they are just trying to provide a service.
“The NHS workforce crisis is not an excuse but it is a cause for deeper problems.
"The Scottish government must take strong and speedy action to keep all NHS staff safe.
“We also need investment in more staff to help de-escalate tensions.”
Branding the incidents “completely unacceptable,” a Scottish government spokesperson said: ”We continue to encourage all NHS organisations to support criminal proceedings against anyone who assaults staff.“
