GMB calls for training to avert NHS violence

The
GMB union has criticised the NHS after a National Audit Office report showed
violence against staff was on the increase.

The
report, A Safer Place to Work: Protecting NHS Hospital and Ambulance Staff from
Violence and Aggression, found that the number of reported incidents of
violence and aggression against NHS staff working in acute, mental health and
ambulance trusts has increased by 13 per cent in the last two years.

The
GMB says all NHS workers need training and protection. Sharon Holder, GMB
national officer for health said: "It is unacceptable for any NHS worker
to experience violence and aggression in the workplace.

"The
support and training should include all support and ancillary staff because the
report clearly identifies that anyone with direct interaction with patients is
at risk. The porter, the clerical assistant and the person who serves tea are
just as much at risk as others."

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Kim
Sunley, GMB health and environment officer, said: "Far too often employers
see violence as an acceptable part of the job, but being abused and threatened
is far from acceptable and must not be tolerated. This report shows the level
of incident going up instead of down."

By Quentin Reade