BY MARK MCKELVEY

m.mckelvey@ulsterherald.com

A new zero tolerance policy to combat attacks on health care workers has been welcomed locally with feelings more stringent judicial penalties are also needed if this escalating problem is to be resolved.

The Minister for Health Michael McGimpsey has taken this stance following the revelation that in the past year alone there has been 6,000 cases of abuse against medical staff throughout the North.

The Department of Health said 140 of those attacks were against ambulance staff, 107 were against doctors and a 3,377 were against nurses.

Mr McGimpsey said, "That is why I am launching a campaign that will clearly spell out the message of Zero Tolerance. Zero Tolerance on attacks. Zero Tolerance on abuse. Zero Tolerance on threatening behaviour."

Omagh Town SDLP Cllr and local GP Dr Jo Deehan feels it should be accepted as the norm that there should be zero tolerance towards violence directed towards health care professionals.

"These are people carrying out their duties in the interests of the public and it is unacceptable that these professionals would have to tolerate abuse of any kind, verbal or physical," said Dr Deehan.

"It is an increasing problem that reflects increased use of alcohol and drugs with are very often a contributory factor. I think as a society we need to look closely at the way we use alcohol as a part of are socialisation process as it now seems to centralise around alcohol which is proving detrimental to society in general."

She continued by stressing the problem arises when it comes to "translating zero tolerance into action", calling for more assistance from the courts.

"We need the minister to be pro-active in protecting staff from attacks and the judicial system to support us by making sure the sentences imposed are sufficient to the zero tolerance policy," said Dr Deehan.

Chairman of the Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT), Gerard Guckian, also welcomed the Minister's zero tolerance attitude.

"The WHSCT commends the Minister and the Department of Health on this announcement," he said. "Attacks on staff are completely and totally unacceptable.

"The health and safety of our staff both in our hospitals and in our community care settings is of paramount importance. Our staff must feel safe and the zero tolerance approach will support them in providing the quality of care that is conducive to the health and social care needs of patients and clients.

"The Western Trust has taken action, and will continue to do so, through the courts, whenever possible, to ensure people who carry out such attacks are brought to justice. We would urge politicians and community leaders to condemn all such attacks and to encourage respect for its staff and for all staff employed in the caring and emergency services."