BY MARK McKELVEY

In RESPONSE to a recent survey, that states two in five doctors in the North have experienced either physical violence or verbal abuse in the last year, Dr Kieran Deeny has described this issue as a "major problem".

The research, based on the responses of almost 1,000 doctors, was carried out by the British Medical Association (BMA). Some doctors said they had experienced verbal abuse or threats as many as 20 times and more than 100 said they had been physically attacked, with three per cent of doctors claiming they were badly injured in these attacks.

The BMA survey to gauge the level and nature of violence against staff was launched in August, with all doctors in the North asked to provide information on the extent and type of violence they have experienced in their workplaces.

Speaking this week, Carrickmore GP and Independent Assembly member, Dr Deeny said, "There is no doubt this is a major issue and I think in particular in Northern Ireland but I can't legislate why, with recent incidents of medical staff being threatened with a knife."

MAJOR ISSUE

He continued, "I haven't experienced anything personally, but this is a major issue. We are front-line workers and there are a small number of people right across the health service who are extremely demanding, not only to ourselves but also the receptionists who are the real front-line and often suffer abuse also."

Although the staff in Dr Deeny's practice have fortunately not suffered physical abuse, he has stated that the verbal torment can sometimes be just as threatening.

"Some people can be very abusive, and unfortunately that is a problem that has to be dealt with. I can't recall the staff in our practice having suffered physical abuse in the past year, but certainly our staff are subject to verbal abuse," said Dr Deeny.

"It is easier to highlight and prove physical abuse, but verbal abuse can be just as vicious. I am into my 27th year as a GP and this situation is getting worse, with the selfish attitudes of a minority who expect to be dealt with immediately and don't understand we have to give equal consideration to thousands of patients."

The GP continued, "It is a small minority, but it is very disruptive and threatening to a practice, we have to make sure our front-line staff are protected. Off course we have the ongoing problems in the A&E departments which is totally unacceptable. In other countries where healthcare isn't even provided free, there is more respect shown.

"It seems the more some people get for nothing the less respect they have for the service they are getting and the people that are providing it."