263 assaults reported on healthcare workers in June

There were 263 assaults on healthcare workers in June, with the majority against nurses, according to figures provided to Sinn Féin in response to a parliamentary question.

The party is calling for a "zero tolerance" approach to such assaults by both hospital management and gardai, in order to protect frontline workers.

Figures given to Sinn Féin's Spokesperson on Health David Cullinane, show that in June there were 160 assaults on nurses working in the Health Service Executive.

There were 21 assaults on Allied Health Professionals, which includes occupational, physical and speech and language therapists or those working as medical technologists or sonographers.

There were two assaults against doctors and one assault on a dentist.

These include all physical, verbal and sexual assaults on staff that have been reported to the HSE’s National Incident Management System.

In its response to Mr Cullinane, the HSE said the figures include all "near misses" and incidents even if they do not result in harm.

"The number of incident reports should not be considered as indicative of a level of harm," it said.

"There may also be multiple reports relating to the same incident."

Mr Cullinane said overcrowding in emergency departments is a factor in the level of assaults.

"There can be no justification for any assault on any healthcare professionals," he said.

"It is really important that there is a zero-tolerance approach taken by both hospitals and the gardaí when assaults are made.

"Part of the problem is overcrowding in emergency departments. It is no justification for any assault, but the INMO (Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation) have made the point that when you have severe pressure you see an increase in the number of assaults."

He said the HSE should ensure adequate security and supports in healthcare settings.

He said alcohol, drugs, as well as frustration with long waiting times, are a contributory factor but "much tougher action" has to be taken.

"We cannot accept any excuse for it whatsoever. Just because someone is intoxicated, on drugs or frustrated, that cannot be tolerated," he said.