Health staff assaults prompt campaign

Incidents up 16%

South west health chiefs say an increase in attacks on staff, including frontline paramedics, will not be tolerated.

The chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service Ken Wenman said employees continue to face aggression and physical abuse even during the coronavirus restrictions.

He said: “Our ambulance crews and control room staff are working tirelessly on the frontline to keep people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so proud of and thankful for them all.

“Any verbal, mental or physical assault against an emergency services staff member or key worker is completely unacceptable.

“Sadly we received 1330 incidents of violence and aggression towards our staff in the last year, which is an increase of 16% on the previous year.

“Unfortunately these incidents have continued during the COVID-19 crisis when our staff are working in an extremely challenging environment to protect and save lives.

“We support whatever action is necessary to protect our staff from harm and ensure those responsible for any attacks are prosecuted.”

The ambulance service is encouraging people to support the #Unacceptable campaign by sharing supportive messages on social media. 

It is also reminding people to follow the national guideless of staying at home, maintaining social distance and practising good hygiene.