Violence against A&E staff must stop - Moutray

Speaking after obtaining figures of the number of occasions in which the PSNI were called 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 three per week or 1 every other day.

“In the Southern Trust region the total for the year was 38.

“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.

“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.

“I am grateful for the opportunity ot 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.”