SDLP Moor representative Cathy Breslin
She said the scale of the appalling attacks on healthcare staff clear and more needed to be done to protect workers.
“The magnitude of these appalling incidents of violence is clear. It has been clear for a number of years; the government (or lack thereof) have failed time and time again to protect our courageous and vital healthcare workers,” she said.
“Speaking from experience as a retired nurse, those who dedicate themselves to the health service do so because they have an innate desire to provide care and improve the lives of others.
“For our health workers- predominantly our nurses, to be threatened with physical and mental abuse by the people they are trying to help, is utterly abhorrent.
“This type of behaviour should not be tolerated in any workplace, least of all a place which puts the care of others above all else.
“The negative and lasting impact this has on an already stressful job is leaving our NHS staff at breaking point.
“Our health staff are already under immense pressures- expected to meet increased demands on limited resources, they should not have to fear their own safety at work on top of that.
“More must be done to reinforce the zero-tolerance policy towards violence on our healthcare staff.
“Zero tolerance must mean zero tolerance, anything less is a failing of our nurses, doctors and carers.
“Their heroic work should be championed not threatened,” she added.
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