Concern over ‘ hostility’ to NHS workers
CONCERNED NHS employees have been increasingly reporting incidents of hostility from members of the public.
A statement has now been released by health bosses following the rise in incidents of people acting in an unacceptable manner towards frontline staff.
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.
They want to make it clear that any form of violence and aggression towards staff will not be tolerated.
Their statement 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.”