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MP calls for zero tolerance to protect doctors, nurses and NHS staff

Warrington north MP HELEN JONES has called on the government to take a zero tolerance stance to protect doctors, nurses and other NHS staff from physical assault.

Over 60,000 NHS staff were physically assaulted by patients or relatives of patients over the last year which represents one assault for every 22 NHS staff.

HELEN JONES said:

“ Nurses, doctors and other NHS staff provide an excellent service. They are dedicated to providing patients with the highest possible level of care and they deserve the greatest possible respect. Attacks either verbally or physically are simply not acceptable and a policy of zero tolerance needs to be adopted in NHS facilities across the country.

“ In Bolton a system of £80 on the spot fines for patients or visitors who are violent to staff has been introduced at the local hospital. Cases of abuse have fallen as a result. “