PCT staff assault statistics released

New statistics announced today (12 November) reveal the number of physical assaults on Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust (PCT) staff during the last year. In 2006-7 there were 15 physical assaults against our staff. The PCT has 1,860 employees in total and this figure equates to 8.1 assaults per 1,000 staff.

The re-organisation of the PCT in 2006 means it is not possible to give an accurate comparison with figures for the previous year. In 2005-6 there were 70 assaults against Heywood and Middleton PCT employees, or 83.0 per 1,000 staff, and four assaults against Rochdale PCT employees – 3.4 assaults per 1,000 staff.

Across England, the statistics released by the NHS Security Management Service show there were 55,709 physical assaults against NHS staff in England – 2,986 fewer than 2005-6.

November is NHS Security Awareness Month. NHS health bodies throughout England will be broadcasting the message that violence and abuse against health care workers is unacceptable, through presentations, talks, newsletters and the internet.

Liz Cobby, Divisional Head of Operations and Facilities Management for Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale PCT, said: “NHS staff do critical work to help the public and it is completely unacceptable that they should face violence and aggression in the course of their job. We have a zero tolerance policy for assault or abuse of our staff and their safety and well-being is our key priority.

“There are clear notices in our premises advising patients that we will take action against anyone who assaults a member of staff. We are also in the process of appointing a local security management specialist to oversee security matters, and all front line staff are being trained in prevention and management of violence.”