A hard-hitting video has laid bare the abhorrent abuse hurled at NHS staff in Lanarkshire.
The 90-second clip features healthcare professionals recalling some of the appalling incidences of hostility, racism and violent threats they have been subjected to.
Leaders from NHS Lanarkshire and the respective North and South Health and Social Care Partnerships in the region, have issued the footage to call out such behaviour – and to remind members of the public of the organisations’ zero tolerance stance.
Heather Knox, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Ross McGuffie, Chief Officer of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire and Marianne Hayward, Interim Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, united in a robust statement.
In a joint statement, they said: "This clip is so raw that it’s brought several senior colleagues, with many years of experience, to tears.
"Sadly, we know this offers a harrowing snapshot of the harsh reality our health and social staff are experiencing on a wider basis due to the behaviour of a minority of people.
"We have a clear message to those who would display any form of violent or aggressive behaviour, be it verbal or physical, towards our staff - it never has been tolerated and it will certainly not be tolerated now.
"We are continually working in partnership with local police in the management of aggressive and violent individuals and we will continue to do so."
The statement adds: "We have an equally clear message to our staff and partners: We have your back."
Staff are being encouraged to report any such incidences to their line manager so that appropriate action against the perpetrators can be taken.
The health board also say that "unprecedented pressure" is still being felt across acute, community and primary care due to the pandemic and that there is a "very long way to go" in the recovery process.
The statement continues: "Recent announcements that most COVID restrictions are to end from August 9 are a cause for great optimism and indeed celebration.
"That doesn’t mean, however, that our health and care services will instantly return to where we were before the pandemic. On the contrary.
"We have a very long way to go and we’ve called on the people of Lanarkshire to play their part by turning to the right place at the right time to help alleviate the pressures."
Those who participated in the video have been praised for their bravery.
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