Farron Calls For Zero Tolerance Of NHS Staff Violence

The latest figures show a "shocking" level of violence against NHS staff, according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron, who has called for stronger action to protect staff.

The latest figures show that at the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, there were 418 assaults on staff in the last year, including one which led to a criminal sanction.

At the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, there were a total of 169 assaults, 12 of which led to criminal sanctions.

At the North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust, there were 116 assaults.

Tim said: "These figures are extremely concerning. Our dedicated doctors and nurses work incredibly hard to look after patients, and should never be expected to suffer an assault at work.

"No member of staff should come to work in the NHS and be subjected to, or even fear, assault. The government must take stronger action to protect NHS staff, and send out the message that there will be zero tolerance for violence against doctors and nurses.

"I am particularly concerned that this increase could be due, in part, to increased waiting times and an NHS which is struggling to cope with greater demands and less funding than is needed."