As many as 12 nurses or midwives are assaulted each day within the Irish healthcare system, according to reports presented at the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s (INMO) annual conference, reports RTE.
Nurses noted that this issue is frequently underreported and is often driven by frustration from patients or their families who are left waiting for medical attention.
INMO President Caroline Gourley emphasized that safe staffing levels and secure working environments are critical concerns that must be addressed by employers, and she believes legal action should be pursued in such cases, reports RTE.
During the conference, one case was shared of a nurse who suffered a broken finger and had her ring finger forcefully bent back.
Ms Gourley described further examples, including facial injuries, back problems from being pushed, and the emotional toll of these events, which can be deeply traumatic and result in extended absences from work, reports RTE.
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She explained that much of the anger expressed by patients or their families stems from hospital overcrowding and being treated in unsuitable spaces.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill acknowledged the seriousness of the INMO’s concerns regarding violence against nursing staff, reports RTE.
Speaking at the same conference, she stated that “there was no justification to assault anybody but in particular a healthcare worker.”
Ms MacNeill added that it is important to avoid offering excuses or rationalizations for any violent incident.
She also noted that steps are currently being taken to improve hospital environments for both staff and patients, reports RTE.
The minister said that maintaining a safe workplace is a responsibility of hospital management and that leadership must ensure sufficient security measures are in place.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) said that keeping employees and patients safe remains a key priority. It reiterated its dedication to maintaining a secure workplace for staff and a safe setting for patient care, reports RTE.
If a staff member experiences an assault, the HSE’s Employee Assistance Programme offers counseling services to support them.
The HSE also encourages staff to report all “near misses” and incidents, even those without resulting injuries.
Because of this, it said, the number of incident reports should not be seen as a direct measure of the amount of harm caused, reports RTE.
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