Question reference: S6W-16622
- Date lodged: 31 March 2023
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 21 April 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider conducting an inquiry into any recorded incidents of assault against on-duty Scottish Ambulance Service workers; whether it would consider introducing preventative measures based on the findings of any such inquiry, and whether it will consider providing additional support for any ambulance workers who have experienced assault and harm at work.
Answer
The Scottish Government does not plan to conduct an inquiry into recorded incidents of assault against on-duty Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) workers. SAS has assured the Scottish Government that they have a range of measures in place to help protect staff, including training and risk assessments. We will continue to work closely with SAS to monitor the safety and wellbeing of their staff.
NHSScotland has joined the multi-agency Your Safety Matters (YSM) initiative, led by Police Scotland. YSM aims to minimise incidents of violence and aggression in workplaces, through campaigns, sharing resources and good practice.
Abuse towards NHS staff is unacceptable, and the courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with those who carry out such appalling behaviour on emergency workers.