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18/12/2008
Healthcare Staff Deserve 'Peaceful' Christmas, Says Minister
In the knowledge that healthcare staff and the emergency services are already often subjected to verbal and physical abuse, the Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has called on the public to show 'peace and goodwill' in the coming two weeks.
He said that in the last year alone, there were over 6,000 cases of abuse against healthcare staff and he wanted to see a more peaceful time for them over Christmas and New Year.
The Minister said: "As Christmas and the New Year period approaches, it is worth remembering that many of us may have to call on the emergency services or attend hospitals as either patients or visitors.
"Unfortunately, the numbers of people attending A&E because of alcohol or drug misuse increases at this time of year, which creates added pressures for our staff.
"Healthcare staff and the emergency services work tirelessly and selflessly 365 days a year, 24-hours a day.
"It is appalling to think that those who dedicate themselves to saving lives and to public service should be subjected to any form of abuse," he continued.
"I would therefore appeal to everyone at this festive time, to show our healthcare workers and the emergency services common courtesy and give these dedicated staff a Christmas that is free from violence and abuse."
(BMcC)
He said that in the last year alone, there were over 6,000 cases of abuse against healthcare staff and he wanted to see a more peaceful time for them over Christmas and New Year.
The Minister said: "As Christmas and the New Year period approaches, it is worth remembering that many of us may have to call on the emergency services or attend hospitals as either patients or visitors.
"Unfortunately, the numbers of people attending A&E because of alcohol or drug misuse increases at this time of year, which creates added pressures for our staff.
"Healthcare staff and the emergency services work tirelessly and selflessly 365 days a year, 24-hours a day.
"It is appalling to think that those who dedicate themselves to saving lives and to public service should be subjected to any form of abuse," he continued.
"I would therefore appeal to everyone at this festive time, to show our healthcare workers and the emergency services common courtesy and give these dedicated staff a Christmas that is free from violence and abuse."
(BMcC)
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