This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Powers to tackle hospital and GP ‘nuisances’ considered
The Welsh government is considering introducing powers to protect NHS staff from people being disruptive in GP surgeries and hospitals.
Staff said there were no legal powers covering the issue, whereas England has had a law in effect since 2009.
The Welsh government said NHS staff should be able to work without fear of violence, abuse or harassment.
In England the offence, which applies to non-patients, gives NHS staff the authority to throw disruptive people out and can result in fines of up to £1,000.
Following a petition submitted to the assembly, the Welsh government is looking to give its NHS staff more protection.
Currently, anyone who physically attacks a member of NHS staff at a GP surgery in Wales is de-listed from their doctors and referred to an alternative treatment centre for 12 months.
A spokesperson for the Welsh government said: “We have made significant progress in raising awareness of the issue, encouraging staff to report incidents of violence and aggression so that prosecutions can be pursued.
"We are currently considering a decision to commence section 119 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 in Wales to provide further support to ensure staff working in NHS Wales are protected."
Latest News
16/02/2024 - 12:56
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has created a new alliance intended to clean dirty air and improve residents' health.
16/02/2024 - 10:44
Two million more GP appointments a month are being delivered for patients compared to the same month before the pandemic as part of the NHS primary care access recovery plan according to new NHS data.
15/02/2024 - 10:26
The Welsh Government has provided innovation funding of £380,000 to support two projects utilising technology in domiciliary care.
15/02/2024 - 10:13
The new Scottish health secretary has met with frontline staff at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow.
14/02/2024 - 10:27
The North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) has appointed three new Executive Directors to the Trust Board.
Product Features
UK Building Regulations highlight toxic gas and smoke from layers of paint built up over multiple redecorations as a major cause of permanent ill health or death in a building fire.
Their concern rose with discovery the flame retardant paints most widely used paint along escape routes have been ones which to this day counter-productively use emission of heavy toxic gas to smother flames which rapidly spread along walls if layers of paint delaminate in a fire.
Supplier Profiles
Northwich’s Victoria Infirmary (VIN) Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) has enabled more patients
Adveco, the commercial hot water specialist, announces the launch of live metering of domestic ho
Latest Features
Sarah Greenslade, public affairs and communications officer at the British Parking Association looks at some of the problems and innovations in healthcare parking
It’s easy to assume that the comms team is there to handle press enquiries and the occasional social media storm – but the reality is that strategic communications can make a measurable impact across the entire organisation, from operational to financial, when done properly
