Menu
21/05/2018
Serious Concerns Raised Over Attacks On Ambulance Staff
Serious concerns have been raised over the number of attacks on ambulance staff.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it is "deeply concerned" after it was revealed there are over 400 assaults on staff every year.
On 19 and 20 May three instances occurred, two of which involved staff needing hospital treatment. In one incident a member of staff, who has given over 40 years service to the community, sustained injuries to his head, arms and body after he was attacked outside a hospital emergency department. An investigation has been launched.
NIAS Chief Executive, Michael Bloomfield, said: "I am deeply concerned about the frequency and level of ongoing abuse and assaults towards our highly committed and professional staff.
"A survey published last week by the Department of Health, in which almost 7,000 patients commented on their experience from arriving at hospital until they left, showed that 98% of patients said that ambulance staff behaved in a polite and courteous manner, and the same number (98%) said ambulance staff showed them care and compassion. The vast majority of patients value our staff for the excellent work they do, however regrettably a small number do not show them the same level of courtesy. This is unacceptable and NIAS believe that anyone found guilty of attacks on our staff should face the full rigour of the law.
"I wish our staff who were injured in these incidents a full and speedy recovery."
(CD/LM)
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it is "deeply concerned" after it was revealed there are over 400 assaults on staff every year.
On 19 and 20 May three instances occurred, two of which involved staff needing hospital treatment. In one incident a member of staff, who has given over 40 years service to the community, sustained injuries to his head, arms and body after he was attacked outside a hospital emergency department. An investigation has been launched.
NIAS Chief Executive, Michael Bloomfield, said: "I am deeply concerned about the frequency and level of ongoing abuse and assaults towards our highly committed and professional staff.
"A survey published last week by the Department of Health, in which almost 7,000 patients commented on their experience from arriving at hospital until they left, showed that 98% of patients said that ambulance staff behaved in a polite and courteous manner, and the same number (98%) said ambulance staff showed them care and compassion. The vast majority of patients value our staff for the excellent work they do, however regrettably a small number do not show them the same level of courtesy. This is unacceptable and NIAS believe that anyone found guilty of attacks on our staff should face the full rigour of the law.
"I wish our staff who were injured in these incidents a full and speedy recovery."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 May 2018
Penalties For Attacks On Ambulance Staff Must Be 'Clear Deterrent'
The penalties for attacks on ambulance staff must be used to send a clear deterrent message, DUP MLA Paul Frew has said. Mr Frew said that such attacks "must stop" following the publication of the latest figures which showed that there have been 483 abuse cases against ambulance staff in 2017/18.
Penalties For Attacks On Ambulance Staff Must Be 'Clear Deterrent'
The penalties for attacks on ambulance staff must be used to send a clear deterrent message, DUP MLA Paul Frew has said. Mr Frew said that such attacks "must stop" following the publication of the latest figures which showed that there have been 483 abuse cases against ambulance staff in 2017/18.
05 February 2002
Ambulance staff seek immediate action to stop attacks
Ambulance staff in Northern Ireland have said industrial action is a distinct possibility if attacks on drivers and crew persist. The threat of a strike comes following an attack on an ambulance driver who was taking a seriously ill pensioner to hospital via the Crumlin Road on Monday night.
Ambulance staff seek immediate action to stop attacks
Ambulance staff in Northern Ireland have said industrial action is a distinct possibility if attacks on drivers and crew persist. The threat of a strike comes following an attack on an ambulance driver who was taking a seriously ill pensioner to hospital via the Crumlin Road on Monday night.
29 June 2022
NI Ambulance Staff To Trial Body-Worn Cameras
A number of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are to be issued body-worn cameras in a new trial following an increase in attacks on workers.
NI Ambulance Staff To Trial Body-Worn Cameras
A number of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are to be issued body-worn cameras in a new trial following an increase in attacks on workers.
08 January 2002
Ambulance workers defer strike action for two months
Northern Ireland ambulance workers have taken a vote to defer strike action for two months as a result of growing attacks on paramedics. Ambulance crew from all over the province met in Londonderry on Tuesday January 8 to discuss attacks on staff, the most of recent of which injured two ambulance crew at the weekend.
Ambulance workers defer strike action for two months
Northern Ireland ambulance workers have taken a vote to defer strike action for two months as a result of growing attacks on paramedics. Ambulance crew from all over the province met in Londonderry on Tuesday January 8 to discuss attacks on staff, the most of recent of which injured two ambulance crew at the weekend.
07 January 2002
Ambulance staff threaten strike action
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are threatening to take strike action over a series of serious attacks on emergency personnel attending incidents in the province. The latest attack left a female paramedic with face injuries when a brick was thrown through the windscreen off an ambulance in north Belfast.
Ambulance staff threaten strike action
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are threatening to take strike action over a series of serious attacks on emergency personnel attending incidents in the province. The latest attack left a female paramedic with face injuries when a brick was thrown through the windscreen off an ambulance in north Belfast.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
