HC Deb 11 March 1999 vol 327 cc373-4W
Mr. Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many reported assaults, and other acts of violence there were against nurses in the workplace; and how many successful prosecutions of such assaults there were in each year since 1990; [75956]

(2) what action is being taken to ensure that nurses who are subject to violence in the workplace are supported in subsequent legal action. [75955]

Mr. Denham

We have made it very clear that violence against all staff working in the National Health Service is unacceptable. We expect employers in the National Health Service to establish close working relationships with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service so that staff can be assured that they will have the full force of the law behind them. We also expect local managers to provide whatever support is needed to help staff who are assaulted to recover, and also to advise and support them through any subsequent legal process.

Information on the number of reported assaults and other acts of violence against nurses in the workplace, and those that were successfully prosecuted is not available centrally.

Mr. Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has had from(a) the Royal College of Nursing and (b) other bodies, regarding violence against nurses. [75952]

Mr. Denham

We have received representations from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and other health bodies including the Manufacturing, Sciences and Finance Union, the British Medical Association, UNISON and the National Health Service Confederation regarding violence against nurses.

That is why we launched the NHS Guidance, "Safer Working in the Community: A guide for NHS managers and staff on reducing the risks of violence and aggression" at the start of the RCN's joint campaign "Stamp out Violence" on the 28 October 1998, which we fully endorse.

The Government are determined to ensure that NHS staff who spend their lives caring for others are not rewarded with intimidation and violence. Violence to staff is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.