Menu
15/10/2003
A third of doctors face violence in workplace, says survey
More than one in three doctors have experienced some form of violence over the last year and over half believe that violence was a problem in their workplace, according to BMA report published today.
The report, 'Violence: The Experience of UK Doctors', found that GPs and hospital workers said that working in A&E and psychiatry were more likely to report violence as a problem in their workplace – 90% of A&E doctors reported violence as a problem.
Seven-out-of-ten doctors surveyed had not received any training on how to deal with violence despite the fact that medical sites in the UK have been found to have the greatest risk of all workplaces for verbal and physical threats to staff.
As a result, the BMA has called for health care facilities to be designed with the prevention of violence in mind and a greater emphasis on regular and ongoing training for staff to deal with and diffuse potentially violent situations.
Dr John Garner, Chairman of BMA Scottish Council, said: "Threatening behaviour towards NHS staff by patients and their relatives is becoming a common problem for staff in all areas of the health service and some even consider violence to be an occupational hazard.
"It is unacceptable that health care professionals should be living with the fear of violence or that the threat of violence be an acceptable part of their job. It is no wonder we struggle to recruit and retain staff and unless there is a cultural change in behaviour, this will go from bad to worse."
(gmcg)
The report, 'Violence: The Experience of UK Doctors', found that GPs and hospital workers said that working in A&E and psychiatry were more likely to report violence as a problem in their workplace – 90% of A&E doctors reported violence as a problem.
Seven-out-of-ten doctors surveyed had not received any training on how to deal with violence despite the fact that medical sites in the UK have been found to have the greatest risk of all workplaces for verbal and physical threats to staff.
As a result, the BMA has called for health care facilities to be designed with the prevention of violence in mind and a greater emphasis on regular and ongoing training for staff to deal with and diffuse potentially violent situations.
Dr John Garner, Chairman of BMA Scottish Council, said: "Threatening behaviour towards NHS staff by patients and their relatives is becoming a common problem for staff in all areas of the health service and some even consider violence to be an occupational hazard.
"It is unacceptable that health care professionals should be living with the fear of violence or that the threat of violence be an acceptable part of their job. It is no wonder we struggle to recruit and retain staff and unless there is a cultural change in behaviour, this will go from bad to worse."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2012
Bus Driver Assaulted In Westminster
Police Officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit are appealing for help in identifying a man following an assault on a bus driver in Westminster.
Bus Driver Assaulted In Westminster
Police Officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit are appealing for help in identifying a man following an assault on a bus driver in Westminster.
23 September 2015
New LGBT Domestic Violence Service Launched
A new domestic violence service for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community has been launched by Birmingham Community Safety Partnership (BCSP). The new service, the first of its kind in the Midlands, hopes to encourage members of the LGBT community to seek help, BCSP said.
New LGBT Domestic Violence Service Launched
A new domestic violence service for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community has been launched by Birmingham Community Safety Partnership (BCSP). The new service, the first of its kind in the Midlands, hopes to encourage members of the LGBT community to seek help, BCSP said.
03 April 2009
Domestic Violence Board Expands To Include Sexual Attacks
The MPA Domestic Violence Board is formally expanding its remit and oversight responsibilities to include sexual violence and will re-launch as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board today. Cindy Butts, MPA member and Chair of the Board said: "This is an exciting and challenging step forward.
Domestic Violence Board Expands To Include Sexual Attacks
The MPA Domestic Violence Board is formally expanding its remit and oversight responsibilities to include sexual violence and will re-launch as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board today. Cindy Butts, MPA member and Chair of the Board said: "This is an exciting and challenging step forward.
09 March 2009
More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence
More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today. The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.
More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence
More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today. The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.
20 October 2008
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
