A Lanarkshire MSP has slammed reports of abuse towards maternity staff at the University Hospital Wishaw.
NHS Lanarkshire announced on Monday that restrictions on visiting times and increased security measures were being put in place at the maternity unit in the wake of rising incidents of verbal abuse of staff.
The health board said in one shocking incident, staff were chased out of a ward by family members not willing to leave.
Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “It is appalling that NHS Lanarkshire has had to increase security measures and resort to limiting visiting times at Wishaw General’s maternity unit in order to protect staff and families.
“Staff being verbally abused and subjected to vile language as they care for new mums and babies is just disgusting.
“It is sad that the behaviour of some people has had such an impact on others. If you can’t visit a hospital and be respectful to staff and other families, it’s quite simple – don’t go.
“Restricting visiting due to staff abuse is an emergency measure, not a long-term solution. I will be asking the Scottish Government to assist NHS Lanarkshire to get to the root of these problems.
"Nothing short of a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and harassment will do.”
The level of abuse has been so severe that senior midwives have decided to reduce the second visitor to two hours per day and by appointment only.
Cheryl Clark, NHS Lanarkshire chief midwife, told Lanarkshire Live: “We have worked tirelessly to get visiting back to what our parents and families want.
“However, over the last few months, the level of verbal abuse being directed at our staff in the maternity unit at Wishaw General has continued to rise.
“It is sad to say that we have also increased security measures to ensure the safety of our staff and other families.
“I make a personal plea to all visitors and patients to our maternity unity - please be kind, please be compassionate and please be respectful to our staff and other families.”
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