Since the start of March, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff have been subjected to almost 2,300 violent and aggressive incidents.
Throughout the lockdown period, our staff have been working tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic to support our patients and service users. Sadly, while doing this, they have also been forced to tackle an upsurge in violence against them in their workplace, meaning an increase in security has been required at our sites.
Our nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and support staff are dedicated to providing vital care and support to our patients and their loved ones. We are now asking for the public’s help to support our staff by treating them with respect when visiting our sites.
NHSGGC’s Director of Human Resources, Anne MacPherson said: “People behaving in a violent or aggressive way towards our staff or fellow patients can create a very frightening environment for our doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and support staff as well as other patients, who are trying to receive, in some cases, life-saving treatment.
“Our staff come to work to help people, support patients and their families, deliver vital care and ultimately save lives. They should not have to worry about being subjected to violence whether physical or verbal abuse.
“There was a slight drop in incidents at the start of lockdown in April, but unfortunately they have been on the rise ever since.
“Our teams have worked tirelessly against COVID since March, they should not have to face a further struggle with violent and aggressive members of the public.
“We want to provide a safe workplace for all of our people, but we need the public’s help. All we ask is that visitors and patients and service users are respectful to our staff when you are visiting our sites. They are there to help you and your loved ones, so please support them to continue to deliver the vital care our patients need.”
Dr Scott Davidson, NHSGGC’s Deputy Medical Director – Acute services, said: “COVID has brought a huge challenge for our clinical teams. The virus has created significant new pressures; emotional pressure when supporting patients who cannot have visitors and see their families when they are desperately ill, combined with the physical pressure of carrying out their role.
“Our focus now has to be preparing for winter, ensuring we are equipped for any potential resurgence of COVID and enabling our teams to rest and recuperate. Our staff shouldn’t have to worry about being subjected to violence as well.
“Fortunately, of the hundreds of thousands of people who come through our doors every year, the majority treat our staff with the respect they deserve, and we thank them for that. We would simply like the minority who behave in an aggressive or violent way to try and do the same.”
ENDS