Dublin: The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has revealed alarming statistics indicating that 2,500 nurses were assaulted in Ireland’s hospitals over a nine-month period last year. This concerning figure underscores a distressing trend of escalating violence within healthcare settings, where frontline workers endure aggression and disrespect from the public.
According to INMO, nurses face physical assaults and a rising number of abuse incidents, highlighting the challenging environment in which they operate. Regrettably, these assaults represent only a fraction of the total incidents, as many go unreported.
The data from January to September paints a grim picture, with a total of 4,382 healthcare workers falling victim to assaults at work, with nurses bearing the brunt of the attacks, accounting for 2,553 cases. On average, this translates to over 65 assaults per week.
While nurses are the primary targets, other healthcare professionals such as porters, healthcare assistants, doctors, and consultants also experience violence in the workplace. Even paediatric and maternity hospitals report a concerning uptick in assaults against their staff.
The INMO has issued a stark call to action, emphasising that this pervasive issue cannot be allowed to persist. They demand immediate implementation of enhanced security measures in hospitals experiencing severe pressure, aiming to safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers.
These distressing statistics serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address workplace safety concerns within Ireland’s healthcare system, ensuring that frontline workers are adequately protected as they continue to provide vital care to patients.
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