Mental health staff assaults rise

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While overall assaults were progressively down, there were 41,569 assaults on mental health and learning disabilities workers over the past year, an increase of 224 on the previous year.

In total, health minister Ann Keen announced there were 55,709 assaults on NHS staff in 2006-07, 2,986 fewer than in 2005-06, and 4,676 fewer than in 2004-05.

But despite the NHS Security Management Service's policy of prosecuting cases not pursued by the police or Crown Prosecution Service, only 869 people were investigated by police over the past year.

"It is encouraging that violence against NHS staff has actually fallen for two years running," said Ms Keen.

"This shows that the approach we have taken is beginning to deal with the anti-social minority who assault and abuse NHS staff. But the number of assaults is unacceptably high and there is still a great deal of work to do to tackle those responsible."

Dermid McCausland, managing director of the NHS Security Management Service, said: "NHS staff deserve to work in an environment where they are safe from violence and abuse from the people they are trying to help."

Meanwhile, the Local Government Association (LGA) called for tougher action against those who abuse care workers, and for those in social care to receive the same level of support as NHS staff.

A recent survey uncovered 4,000 assaults in 12 local authorities, which if replicated nationwide would mean 50,000 assaults on care workers across the country.

"The reduction in the number of attacks on NHS staff is a reflection of the dedication and commitment people have shown to stamp out this unwanted menace," said David Rogers, of the LGA. "It is high time this was extended to social care staff."