Bid To Tackle Violence Against Health Staff

A campaign aimed at tackling violence and aggression towards staff in GP practices will be launched today by Health Minister Andy Kerr. The poster and leaflet campaign pack is being sent to more than 1000 GP practices across Scotland as they gear up for the busy winter period – usually one of the worst times for incidents of physical and verbal abuse in surgeries.

Mr Kerr, who will unveil the new campaign at a Health and Violence Seminar in Edinburgh organised by the Violence Reduction Unit, said the consequences of violence were visible on a daily basis in hospitals, clinics and GP surgeries.

“Physical and verbal abuse inflicts injuries and illness on our NHS staff, and is a drain on vital healthcare resources,” he said.

“GP receptionists rank high on the list of those somehow seen as acceptable targets.
“Our message is clear and simple – abuse is a criminal offence.”