Eight HSE workers suffered serious injuries following violent incidents as more than 12,500 attacks reported

Violent incidents against health staff caused eight workers to suffer significant injuries or other serious effects in the last two years, as more than 12,500 attacks were reported, it has emerged. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has recorded 12,550 incidents of physical and non-physical assaults on its staff in 2022 and 2023, new figures show. Eight HSE employees suffered serious injuries or other serious effects as a result of these incidents, according to data released to Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward. The figures show that 6,445 incidents were recorded in 2022, while 6,105 incidents were recorded in 2023. Mr Ward, who is the party’s spokesperson on mental health, described the figures as “shocking” and called for a zero-tolerance approach to assaults on healthcare staff. “These figures are shocking and show the scale of the problem facing healthcare staff across the State,” he said. “No one should go to work fearing for their safety, but these figures show that is the reality for many healthcare workers. “The Government and the HSE need to take a zero-tolerance approach to assaults on healthcare staff. “We need to see increased security measures in hospitals and other healthcare settings, as well as better training for staff on how to deal with violent incidents.” The HSE has been contacted for comment.