MP calls for action over assaults on emergency workers

Figures obtained by Mike Penning using the Freedom of Information Act show that only 1 in 1000 assaults on hospital staff result in prosecution.

Mike Penning MP is calling for urgent action to protect our dedicated doctors, nurses and hospital staff who in many cases are facing physical and verbal abuse as part of their daily duties.

Mike, who is a member of the House of Commons Health Select Committee, obtained the figures from Hospitals and Primary Health Care Trusts using the Freedom of Information Act. Only eleven out of the 100 or so trusts have replied so far, but the results already show that the Government’s so-called “zero tolerance” policy is not working. Of those that have replied, only 5 prosecutions were brought out of a staggering 5,762 assaults reported since 2002.

Mike, who is supported by the Royal College of Nursing in this investigation, said:

”Clearly if more prosecutions were brought it would be a deterrent against offenders.”

He added:

”Some trusts are refusing to reply or putting up a smokescreen, so we may never get to know the true scale of the problem”.

Offences reported range from physical violence and sexual assault to verbal and racial abuse. Also, health visitors and midwives have reported attacks by dogs when visiting patients at home.

Mike is planning a detailed report on the problem once he has sufficient information.

“These doctors, nurses and hospital staff dedicate their working lives to the service of our community and it is shameful that they risk assault whilst doing their duty. We must give them the back up and support that they deserve.”

Earlier this year, Mike tabled Early Day Motion No. 1121 which has attracted the signatures of 81 Members of Parliament.

The motion states:

“That this House is ashamed that more and more emergency workers who have dedicated their working lives to serving the community are being assaulted while on duty, including key workers such as fire-fighters, paramedics, nurses and police; is concerned that few prosecutions take place after these assaults, and when prosecutions do take place the penalties are all too often derisory; and calls on the Government to take urgent action.”