Almost one in three NHS staff members were abused by patients while on the clock last year, according to shocking new figures.
A nationwide survey conducted by the Scottish Government has revealed that 28% of workers in Grampian – or 1,904 employees – suffered emotional or verbal abuse.
In addition 7%, or 476, said they had experienced physical violence from patients or members of the public while at work.
NHS Grampian has said the behaviour is “never acceptable,” and reiterated its support for staff who have been affected.
More than 60,000 health workers across the country completed the survey, with the number of north-east incidents falling in line with the national picture.
The averages for all 14 health boards also sit at 28% for emotional or verbal abuse, and 7% regarding physical violence.
In addition, while no NHS 24 workers experienced physical violence, 49% said they were verbally assaulted during 2017.
This figure was even higher for ambulance staff, with 53% experiencing it.
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: “Our staff work extremely hard day in and day out to do everything they can for our patients.
“Unfortunately there are a minority of occasions where they are subjected to abuse, aggression or even violence from patients or visitors.
“While we understand that people are often going through stressful periods, that type of behaviour is never acceptable.
“People should be in no doubt that that NHS Grampian will not tolerate abuse or violence against our staff and we take these incidents extremely seriously.
“We also encourage people to report these incidents and support any staff member who wishes to make a complaint to police.”
North-east Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald said: “Harassment of health workers is never acceptable, and far too many health workers in Grampian are suffering verbal or physical abuse on a regular basis.
“All of us who use the NHS should respect all of those who deliver care, no matter how stressful our own health challenges may be.
“There must be no tolerance of abuse in our hospitals or doctors’ surgeries.”
