Support For Nhs Workers

Carl Sargeant AM Welcomes Agreement signed toprotect NHS workers
The Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government has signed an agreement with the police which allows them to work more closely with the NHS in Wales in the investigation of allegations of violence towards NHS staff. This Memorandum of Understanding follows the signing of an agreement with the Crown Prosecution Service in March 2007, to ensure the effective prosecution of the perpetrators of violent attacks. The aim of the Memorandum is to promote the prosecution of violent offenders, which will help act as a deterrent to others. It includes:• New protocols on the investigation of incidents. • The referral of cases to the police. • Evidence gathering and the provision of statements. • Post incident reviews. • Support for victims when their case has progressed to court. Also, as a result of the forthcoming re-organisation of the NHS in Wales, the new Health Organisations will each be required to provide a greater focus on protecting staff and taking measures to ensure violence against NHS staff is prevented where possible.Carl Sargeant, Welsh Assembly Member for Alyn & Deeside, said;“Many of my constituents work within the NHS and provide an excellent service, but unfortunately they are subjected to acts of mindless aggression and in some cases violence, I will continue to support any measures aimed at protecting our valued NHS staff.”Latest figures show that there were 7,343 incidents of violence and aggression in the NHS in Wales in 2007/08.