25 July 2003
Reported incidents of violence and aggression against health service staff have increased by almost half since the NHS launched a 'zero tolerance' campaign in 1999.
A report by the Public Accounts Committee on July 23 found 95,501 reported incidents in 2001/02, compared with around 65,000 in 1998/99.
The campaign sought a 20% cut in incidents, a reduction achieved by only one-fifth of NHS trusts. 'The number of reported incidents is clearly going in the wrong direction,' the committee noted.
Reasons for people resorting to violence included stress, mental disorientation, the influence of drugs and frustration at lengthy waits in unpleasant surroundings, the report said.
However, the MPs found that despite new sentencing guidance issued to magistrates at the start of the campaign, 'prosecutions are rare and sentencing is often perceived to be light'.
They called on the Department of Health to develop a robust model of the costs arising from violence and aggression to help trusts develop a business case for investment in prevention.
The NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service this week announced a conflict resolution training programme for all NHS staff who come into contact with the public.
Jim Gee, the service's chief executive, said: 'Violence against all of those working in and for the NHS is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
'The conflict resolution training will give staff and professionals confidence when dealing with any potentially violent or aggressive incident.'
Unison national secretary for health Karen Jennings said she wanted 'an absolute commitment from NHS managers' to countering violence.
PFjul2003
