Commenting on the government’s NHS violence reduction strategy announced today (Wednesday), UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said:
“NHS staff spend their working days caring and saving lives, and their safety should be paramount.
“No-one should be abused, threatened or attacked at work – especially when all they’re trying to do is help people.
“It’s encouraging that the government has listened to unions and agreed to review measures in place to ensure staff safety.
“This includes a more joined up approach between the NHS, police and the Crown Prosecution Service. Anyone who threatens or abuses NHS staff should be prosecuted under the new law protecting health care workers.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad T: 0207 121 5255 M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk