Leaders from NHS Lanarkshire have issued a warning that any form of violence and aggression towards its staff will not be tolerated.
They are joining the respective South and North Health and Social Care Partnerships in getting the message across.
Although the majority of the public continue to show consideration and support in the collective effort to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, a joint statement has followed an increase of reports from concerned frontline staff about incidents of hostility from a minority.
Heather Knox, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Ross McGuffie and Val de Souza, Chief Officers of North and South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships have united in a robust response.
It reads: “The majority of the public continue to be very supportive of our staff and we would thank them for that.
“Sadly, however, we are hearing more reports that a minority have been engaging in behaviours and attitude towards some of our staff that is completely unacceptable.
“We have a very 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 added: “We completely understand this continues to be an extremely challenging and trying time for everyone in Lanarkshire.
“We continue to live with restrictions that mean our current way of life is a world away from where we were as a society pre-COVID.
“Those ongoing challenges have translated to changes in how health, social care and other public services are delivered.
“People of Lanarkshire should be absolutely assured that our staff and partners, despite invariably carrying personal worries and apprehensions of their own, remain resolutely committed to providing the best possible care.
“We are hugely thankful to them for their resilience – as are the vast majority of people who recognise their ongoing efforts and have shown patience and understanding.
“As we continue through the winter months we’d plea to people to keep bearing with us. Crucially, please be kind to our staff who are committed to caring, no matter the circumstances.”
