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Publish date: 21 August 2024
Chesterfield Royal Hospital bosses are sending a strong message that any violence or aggression towards staff will result in serious consequences.
Last year* there were 14 incidents of violence and aggression in the Trust that resulted in Police and legal action; ranging from community service to referral to drug rehabilitation and even prison sentences.
The most extreme sentence was for one patient who was sentenced to six months in prison for Public Order offences for sexually inappropriate and verbal aggression against ward staff. Another had treatment withheld for 12 months for assaulting a member of the Security Team.
Dr Hal Spencer, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that the majority of our patients and visitors are kind and appreciative of the care they receive - but there is sadly a minority who need to understand it will not be tolerated. We want our colleagues to feel safe and we will do what we need to, to make this happen.”
The results from the last Staff Survey revealed that 19% of Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust colleagues had experienced physical violence at work from patients, service users, their relatives or other members of the public. This was an increase on the year before.
Hal added: “We took this feedback seriously and we have taken clear action on this. We understand that there are situations where people lack capacity for their actions due to conditions like dementia etc and our staff are aware of this. However, when people are abusive or violent to our staff and they have capacity then we will take action.
“Our colleagues work very hard, and they deserve to be treated with the upmost respect – as we expect them to give to their patients. It is important that we all take a stand against bad behaviour because not only can it negatively impact on staff, but it can delay care for those who need it the most.”
Hospital colleagues are given ongoing training and support to help them deal with any abusive patients and to recognise where patients may lack capacity for their actions and how to deal with this. If needed, a team of 12 security colleagues are also on hand to protect colleagues and deal with any more serious incidents.
Ged Holland, Facilities Manager said: “Violence towards NHS colleagues can have a devastating and lasting effect on their health and wellbeing. We should all feel safe coming to work but a small minority of people don’t respect the experts looking after them. These people will feel the full force of the law where appropriate, as this is not something we will tolerate. I am sure the majority of patients and the public would agree that our staff deserve kindness and respect for the challenging job that they do and the brilliant level of care they provide!”
- ENDS –
* March 2023 and March 2024
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