Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has said all efforts must be made to prevent physical and verbal attacks on health staff.

Speaking as latest figures show there have been more than 50,000 physical attacks on health and social care staff across the north in the last five years, the party’s health spokesperson said:

“It is disgraceful that attacks on health and social care staff have continued to rise over the last five years.

“Health and social care staff go above and beyond for patients and their families in times of need, physical and verbal attacks are despicable.

“The growing list of pressures facing health staff is yet another reason we need an Executive. To deliver better working conditions and a fair pay which matches the key work they undertake every day.

“There must be a zero-tolerance approach to physical and verbal abuse towards our health workers who are there to provide an emergency service and to keep people safe. 

“Everyone should be able to turn up for work and to do their job free from threats, violence and intimidation. 

“New proposals released by the Department of Health to ‘prevent, reduce and respond’ to violence and aggression in the workplace are welcome. It must ultimately create a safer working environment to protect our hardworking and dedicated health staff.”