A nurse in Greater Manchester shares alarming experiences of violence in A&E. Patients are becoming increasingly aggressive, leaving staff feeling vulnerable and unsafe at work.
Greater Manchester: It’s a tough time for A&E staff. Nurses are facing violence daily, and it’s getting worse. One nurse shared how patients threaten them, saying things like, “I’ll follow you home.” It’s shocking.
She explained that aggression is common. Patients often lash out, and it’s not just verbal. Physical attacks happen too. Nurses feel vulnerable, especially since many are women. But everyone is at risk.
Another nurse mentioned that people come in expecting immediate care. They don’t see the chaos behind the scenes. With so many patients, tensions run high. It’s a pressure cooker environment.
Sometimes, it’s not even the patients causing the trouble. Relatives can be just as aggressive. Drugs and alcohol often fuel the violence. Mental health issues also play a role, but it’s not always the main cause.
According to a recent NHS survey, a significant number of staff reported violence. That’s around 95,000 incidents a year! It’s alarming how much abuse has increased in just a few years.
Healthcare workers are calling for action. They want better protection and support. Security is present in many A&Es, but it’s not enough. Guards can’t always intervene effectively, and resources are stretched thin.
One nurse said it’s not like dealing with rowdy bar patrons. Removing someone from A&E can be dangerous. They have to manage situations carefully, which adds to their stress.
When violence erupts, calling the police is often the only option. But waiting for help can take ages. It’s frustrating for staff who just want to focus on patient care.
Recently, the NHS introduced a new strategy to tackle violence. Nurses are hopeful but skeptical. They know enforcing a zero-tolerance policy is tricky when patients still need care.
Body-worn cameras are now being tested in some A&Es. While they can help, it’s sad that it’s come to this. Nurses just want to do their jobs without fear of violence.
Ultimately, there’s a sense of hopelessness. A&Es are doing their best, but the culture around healthcare needs to change. Nurses fear that one day, someone might get seriously hurt because of this ongoing issue.
