Stricter Measures to be Implemented to Prevent Hospital Violence
Given the increase in cases of violence against hospital staff in
Health Minister Edwina Hart, while speaking on the issue, expressed her regret that workers of the NHS have to face such difficulties on a daily basis while doing their work. Ms Hart further stated that violence against workers, which range from verbal abuse to physical attacks, are unpardonable and cause unnecessary trauma to the staff. The disturbing actions of some patients or their families can affect not only the staff but also other patients and visitors, and hence should be discouraged right from the beginning.
Categorically expressing her wish to do away with violence in hospitals completely, Ms Hart has sanctioned a new policy, which includes new procedures and processes for investigation, improved methods to inform the police, better ways to gather evidence, reviews of the incident and support to the injured party in case the matter goes to court.
She further stated that this move, which proposes to punish all offenders, would not only stop them from repeating such offences but will also deter other such miscreants. She added that as part of this proposal, each institution under the NHS will have to name their own Executive Director and other staff members who will solely look into workplace violence in their respective departments and report the same regularly at the NHS Board meetings.
The Certificate in Employment Relations, Law and Practice (CERLAP) is designed to help those who are involved in HR/personnel activities to implement effective HR policies around employment relations and get-to-grips with the key issues that impact on employment practice.
