Randerson Shocked at 6,788 Violent and Aggressive Incidents in Wales' Hospitals

3.34.05pm GMT Wed 20th Dec 2006

According to figures obtained from the Health Minister, for the 2005/06 year there were 6,788 Violent and Aggressive Incidents in Welsh NHS Trusts, 1,585 of which were with Cardiff and Vale Trust.

Jenny Randerson AM, Health Spokesperson for the Welsh Liberal Democrats said "I wrote to Brian Gibbons in August imploring him to take firmer action. In England the Police and the NHS are committed to investigate every reported incident of violence and abuse to NHS staff. Attacks on our hard pressed NHS staff must be taken more seriously.

"Obviously some authorities are dealing with it better than others but the overall picture is not a happy one that we should accept. Some improvements are in progress but change must be quicker and more radical.

"Ambulance staff are particularly vulnerable; they were subject to acts of aggression 285 times in 2005/06."

Notes:

Following a change in software provider the figures for Conwy and Denbighshire NHS Trust are not included.

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Contact/cyswllt: Andrew Sherwood - 029 2089 8324