A RISE in violence and aggression towards NHS staff has been uncovered by a North-East hospital trust.

Patients, relatives and members of the public are contributing to a rising number of violent and abusive incidents directed at hospital staff.

Findings from a survey of workers at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust show that 15 per cent of respondents had experienced violence at work in the last year.

Security staff at hospitals under the Trust are now wearing bodycams in a bid to tackle the issue and support any resulting police investigations.

Frontline staff at other North-East trusts have also reported an increase in the levels of disorder, intimidation and violence that they see while on duty.

The North Tees and Hartlepool trust has launched a ‘zero-tolerance’ campaign in response to the findings, with members of the public urged to “keep mummy safe at work”.

The hard-hitting initiative shows children of Trust staff making a plea to patients and relatives to show respect to health care professionals in their place of work.

As the winter period approaches, bringing with it an anticipated rise in hospital admissions, it is hoped that the campaign will help to deter incidents of violence and aggression and in doing so, allow staff to get on with their work while being treated with respect.

Julie Gillon, Chief Executive at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all staff who work in our hospitals and community settings.

“This includes protecting them whilst they deliver care to the people of North Tees and Hartlepool.

“Unfortunately there has been an increase in reported incidents of violence and I hope this campaign acts as a reminder to members of the public that staff work incredibly hard and it is completely unacceptable for them to be subject to any form of violence or aggression.”

Kara Pickering is mother to poster boy Oliver, who appears in the campaign dressed in scrubs.

She said: “Seeing my little boy dressed up in scrubs really sends home the message that there’s a human being behind the uniform, many of whom have their own children at home.

“I really hope that other people recognise this too, and that the campaign makes a real difference for those who just want to care for their patients.”

On a national level, the Department for Health and Social Care is making legal changes to ensure that those who are violent towards NHS professionals will face the full force of the law.

The government is encouraging NHS organisations to involve the police if staff are being subjected to aggression or violence.