As reported by Open Access Government, the UK Government is supporting frontline NHS staff with new measures to tackle violence and improve working conditions
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has announced a comprehensive support package to tackle violence and improve the working lives of frontline NHS staff. The measures are part of recommendations accepted by the government under the Agenda for Change contract, which covers one million frontline NHS staff.
A quarter of frontline NHS staff experienced at least one incident of harassment, bullying, or abuse in the last 12 months. However, many incidents go unreported, reducing the opportunity to address the problem systematically.
In a keynote speech to UNISON’s National Health Care Service Group Conference in Liverpool, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting said, “No one should go to work fearing violence. Yet one in every seven people employed by the NHS has suffered violence at the hands of patients, their relatives, or other members of the public.
New measures will encourage frontline NHS staff to report violent or aggressive situations and ensure this data is collected nationally. Data will be used to see if some staff – based on race, gender, disability, or job role – face higher risks, so trusts can better protect them.
Additional measures will address longstanding issues by ensuring staff are paid correctly for their work. Staff are often asked to work beyond their job description without compensation, leading to disputes.
In total, 36 recommendations have been accepted by ministers, which are expected to have a considerable and positive impact on frontline NHS staff.
Further recommended measures include enhanced career progression support for nurses, such as offering managers more learning and development, leadership training and career coaching.
