§ 37. Mr. DarvillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to improve levels of safety for NHS staff. [13846]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Government place a very high priority on the safety of National Health Service staff. The NHS Chief Executive has written to health authority and NHS trust chief executives asking them to place issues of health and safety at the top of their agendas; the NHS Executive has also sponsored a series of Health and Safety roadshows for NHS senior management. We will be encouraging and promoting the formation of networks for the exchange of good practice in this area.
539WThe Government have issued guidance to the NHS on ways to cut down on attacks on staff in accident and emergency departments. Also, the Health and Safety Commission will publish "Violence to Staff in Health Services: Guidance on Assessment and Management" before the end of the year, covering all parts of the NHS. The forthcoming NHS Charter will stress patients' responsibilities as well as rights, including the responsibility not to assault NHS staff. Those who assault staff should be appropriately punished.