Frontline staff are reporting hostility

Lanarkshire health chiefs have reminded the public that violence and aggression will not be tolerated.

It comes as frontline staff dealing with the pandemic have reported incidents of hostility towards them.

Although the majority of the public continue to show consideration and support, the actions of a minority have raised concerns,

Leaders from the NHS and the respective Health and Social Care Partnerships in Lanarkshire have issued a reminder that any form of violence and aggression towards staff will not be tolerated.

Heather Knox, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Ross Mcguffie and Val de Souza, chief officers of North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships (respectively), have united in a robust response.

It reads: “The majority of the public have been very supportive of our staff and we thank them for that.

“Sadly, however, we are hearing reports that, in recent days and weeks, a minority have been engaging in behaviours and attitude towards some of our staff that is completely unacceptable.

“We wish to make abundantly clear to those who would engage in any form of violence or aggression; It never has been tolerated. It will certainly not be now.

“We are continually working in partnership with local police in the management of aggressive and violent individuals and we will continue to do so.”

The statement added: “We completely understand this has been an extremely challenging and trying year for everyone in Lanarkshire.

“As we enter the winter months we continue to live with restrictions that mean our current way of life is a world away from where we were as a society in November 2019.

“Those ongoing challenges have translated to changes in how health, social care and other public services are delivered. People of Lanarkshire should be absolutely assured that our staff and partners, despite invariably carrying personal worries and apprehensions of their own, remain resolutely committed to providing the best possible care.

“We are hugely thankful to them for their resilience – as are the vast majority of people who recognise their ongoing efforts and have shown patience and understanding.

“As we continue into the winter months we’d plea to people to keep bearing with us.”

It added: “Crucially, please be kind to our staff who are committed to caring – no matter the circumstances.”