NHS Grampian tackles staff abuse with new patient exclusion measures

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 18:13 · Archive

NHS Grampian is introducing sanctions including potential removal from hospitals for patients and visitors who abuse or threaten staff.

NHS Grampian is introducing fresh sanctions to tackle violence and abuse directed at frontline staff working in hospitals and emergency departments across the region. The measures allow health bosses to exclude aggressive patients and visitors from NHS facilities, following growing concern over incidents ranging from verbal abuse to physical assaults.

Under the new protocols, being trialled at five high-risk areas before rolling out across the organisation next March, patients involved in abusive incidents will initially receive a warning. Continued misbehaviour triggers a formal meeting, with further escalation potentially leading to formal notice of removal from the premises. In particularly severe incidents—including alleged assaults, threats of serious harm or incidents involving weapons—patients can be fast-tracked straight to exclusion. Visitors who abuse staff face even quicker action.

NHS Grampian's chief executive Laura Skaife-Knight has stated there is "serious concern" over the violence and aggression directed at staff. "Every member of staff has the right to feel safe and respected at work," she said, acknowledging that although patients may be anxious or distressed, "this cannot excuse abuse or violence". The health board stressed that treatment will never be withheld "where urgent, life-saving treatment is required".

How it is being reported

• Staff sickness a major factor behind critical incident, says NHS Grampian bossEmergency departments in Aberdeen and Elgin struggled to cope with demand last month.BBC North East Orkney And Shetland · 8 Oct, 17:41
• Aggressive NHS Grampian patients to be thrown out of hospital in staff abuse crackdownHealth bosses are introducing tougher measures for patients and visitors to tackle violence and abuse towards healthcare workers.Press and Journal · 8 Oct, 16:13
• NHS Grampian staff facing violent abuse at ‘high pressure’ emergency departmentStaff have reported incidents including threats, intimidation and physical assaults.Press and Journal · 7 Oct, 15:10

In this story: NHS Grampian · Laura Skaife-Knight · Aberdeen Royal Infirmary · Dr Gray's Hospital · Elgin · Aberdeen

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