NHS workers have suffered almost 94,000 verbal and physical assaults in the last five years, figures reveal.
Scottish Labour obtained “deeply concerning” statistics showing there were 65,996 physical attacks on health service staff between 2014-15 and 2018-19.
A total of 27,946 verbal assaults were recorded, according to the data, which was disclosed under freedom of information laws.
That amounts to a total of 93,942 verbal and physical attacks over the five-year period.
There were 16,024 physical assaults and 4501 verbal assaults recorded on staff in Scotland’s largest health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Across Scotland police were called to deal with 2675 physical assaults on NHS staff and 951 verbal attacks.
Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: “It is deeply concerning that our hard-working NHS staff are faced with any form of abuse while carrying out their duties.
“Nobody should have to go to work knowing they could face a verbal or physical attack while they’re trying to do their job.
“Scottish Labour would put the NHS at the heart of our policy-making, ensuring our hospitals are safe spaces for staff, patients and their families.”
The Scottish Government said violence or aggression against NHS staff was unacceptable.
It added that incidents of violence and aggression fell between 2017-18 and 2018-19 and that policies were in place, supported by regular training and support for staff including employee assistance programmes, trauma counselling services and pastoral support, to ensure a safe working environment.
