Assaults on A & E staff unacceptable

Upper Bann DUP MLA Stephen Moutray has spoken out against those behind the assaults on staff, at both Craigavon and Daisy Hill hospitals, describing their behaviour as “totally unacceptable”.

Speaking after obtaining the figures on the number of occasions in which the PSNI were called out to Emergency Departments as a result of disruptive patients, Mr Moutray said, “The figures that I obtained from Health Minister Edwin Poots are very disturbing.

“Across Northern Ireland there were 175 incidents in the last year when police officers were called to Emergency Departments.

“That works out at more than thee per week or one every other day.”

Mr Moutray went on to say, “This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable.

“Not only does it tie up police time and resources but it is also very clearly a completely inappropriate way to treat staff.”

The Upper Bann DUP MLA also stated, “Emergency staff are not there to be abused, threatened or assaulted.

“They do an extraordinary job in what are often very stressful circumstances.

“They deserve not only our support and full assistance, but also our thanks as a community for the care and dedication they show on a daily basis.”

Mr Moutray finished by saying, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have toured the Craigavon Area Hospital Emergency department and talk with staff and assure them that they have my full support and that of my party colleagues.”