Healthcare :: Violence in GP practices

A campaign aimed at tackling violence and aggression towards staff in GP practices has been launched today.

The poster and leaflet campaign pack is being sent to over 1,000 GP practices across Scotland as they gear up for the busy winter period – usually one of the worst times for incidents of physical and verbal abuse in surgeries.

Practices will also be able to access a simpler reporting system to record instances of unacceptable behaviour.

At a Health and Violence Seminar in Edinburgh organised by the Violence Reduction Unit, Mr Kerr said:

“The consequences of violence are visible on a daily basis in our hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries.

“Physical and verbal abuse inflicts injuries and illness on our NHS staff, and is a drain on vital healthcare resources. It’s a major public health challenge and one we are determined to address.

“GP receptionists rank high on the list of those somehow seen as acceptable targets. These new ‘crime scene’ materials bring home the seriousness of the crimes and their punishments, and urge staff to report all incidents. We hope to extend this campaign to dental practices, pharmacies and hospitals over the course of the next year.

“Our message is clear and simple – abuse is a criminal offence.”

Michael Fuller, Amicus Scottish Health Sector Secretary, said:

“It is quite appalling that staff who are seeking to care for others on a daily basis should be subject to threats, abuse and even assaults. Decency demands that such staff should be allowed to practise their precious skills free from fear.

“The prerequisite for quality health care is an environment where the safety of all staff, as they carry out these responsibilities, is paramount. This campaign brings that message home to all.”

Dr Dean Marshall, Chairman of the BMA’s Scottish General Practitioners Committee, said:

“More than one third of doctors report they have experienced some form of violence in the workplace in the last year. This is completely unacceptable. No one should have to deal with violent or threatening behaviour as part of their job.

“It is important that patients and their relatives are aware that their actions are punishable by law. We therefore welcome this campaign to protect doctors and their staff working in GP surgeries across Scotland.”

The Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act now provides greater protection in law for all emergency workers. Penalties are available of up to nine months imprisonment and a fine of ?5,000 for anyone assaulting or hindering healthcare workers in a hospital setting or those doing emergency work in the community.


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