Anger over health workers attacks

Attacks on paramedics have increased

Staff working in the front line of health care in Northern Ireland were attacked violently nearly 5,500 times last year, figures have shown.

However, only seven people were prosecuted, whilst cases against four others are still pending.

Health Minister Shaun Woodward revealed the figures in a written answer to North Down MP Sylvia Hermon.

The Royal College of Nursing said the figures were "concerning" whilst the prosecutions were "wholly inadequate".

In total, there were 5,449 violent incidents against staff employed in the health service between 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2005.

Royal College of Nursing Northern Ireland director Martin Bradley said the continuing increase in the number of attacks was "completely unacceptable".

We already know that fear of attacks is a significant factor in why nurses leave the service Martin Bradley Royal College of Nursing

He added: "A more immediate concern is the wholly inadequate number of prosecutions that result from such attacks.

"The DHSSPS (Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety) recently ran a publicity campaign warning that those who assault health service staff risk receiving a criminal record.

"It is now clear from the department's own figures that this statement is largely untrue."

He stressed that the department, in conjunction with the police and the criminal justice system, must urgently look into why people who attack nurses, doctors, paramedics and other health care staff were still "not being dealt with appropriately under the law".

He added: "We already know that fear of attacks is a significant factor in why nurses leave the service.

"Unless this changes and changes quickly, the health service is going to continue to have difficulty recruiting and retaining staff."