ASSAULTS ON NHS STAFF

Early day motion 571, tabled 9 December 1997 by Helen Southworth (Labour). Signed by 87 members.

That this House views with great concern the research by the Health and Safety Executive which reveals that 34 per cent of nurses have been subject to violence and assault while carrying out their caring work; believes that nurses and other front-line staff working in the NHS are entitled to go about their daily work free from the threat of violence and intimidation; recognises the action which the Government has already taken through the new national guidance, Effective Management of Security in A & E, and theHSG (97) 6 guidance on health and safety, to protect NHS staff in their workplace; and calls on the Secretary for Health to co-ordinate action to combat the tide of violence against NHS workers.

Signatures by party: Labour 78, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 3.