CSP welcomes crackdown on violence against NHS staff

The NHS violence reduction strategy introduces measures to better protect and support staff,  including stronger links between the NHS, Police and Crown Prosecution Service to deal with offenders.

The latest NHS staff survey for England revealed that 16% of physiotherapy staff have been subject to physical violence in the past year.

The new strategy has been secured following campaigning by the CSP and health unions.

Claire Sullivan, director of employment relations and union services at the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said:

‘We welcome the announcement today which sets out how NHS staff will be better protected against deliberate attacks and abuse from patients.

'The levels of violence faced by our members and other NHS staff who are simply trying their best to deliver care to patients is shocking, and on the rise.

'We are pleased to have worked with other unions to ensure the NHS cracks down on this appalling and unacceptable behaviour.

‘While it is regrettable that this kind of initiative is needed at all, partnership working will be crucial to its success. We are therefore hopeful that through the closer working links between the NHS, police and the CPS described by the Secretary of State today, this situation will be properly addressed.

‘We will want to establish how senior leaders will be held to account for reducing the risk of harm to staff.’

Read more about the strategy here.