Menu
02/05/2002
Minister meets with health service staff to discuss attacks
The Stormont Health Minister Bairbre de Brún has met with a group of union officials and health service workers to hear at first hand the problems they are facing due to unprovoked attacks.
Violent attacks on Accident and Emergency, Ambulance Service staff, community care workers and other public service staff have been increasing over the past number of years and show no signs of reducing.
At the meeting, the Minister said she was making available funds immediately to support an Ambulance Service initiative to pilot a ‘Community Education Programme’ which would tour schools and educate children about the service they provide.
The Minister also said that a working group to address violence towards staff employed in the health sector has already been set up. The issues under consideration include training for staff, raising public awareness, criminal justice issues, support for staff who have been attacked and gaining community support to stop the attacks.
This working group are expected to have completed their analysis by the end of June.
Paddy Milligan, Unison branch Commander of the NI Ambulance Service said the meeting was “highly productive” and that they were pleased that a working group had already been set up to address ways to tackle violence to their workers.
However, he added that they would be seeking another meeting with the Minister to highlight problems, specifically the issue of funding, for the Ambulance Service.
Speaking after the meeting Ms de Brún said: “Attacks on public service staff are completely unacceptable and I am once again appealing to community leaders and the communities themselves to take steps to stop the attacks.
“An attack on a health service employee is an attack on the health and personal social services itself and such disgraceful behaviour cannot be allowed to continue.”
The Minister also welcomed the positive outcome of the recent discussions between the Ambulance Service, the Fire Service, HSS Boards, Unison and the Belfast Education and Library Board on the prospect of a multi agency education programme.
“I look forward to any initiatives that arise from this meeting and am willing to consider bids for initiatives that will help to address the problem, particularly if these can be developed on a multi agency and cross Departmental basis.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 January 2002
Ambulance workers defer strike action for two months
Northern Ireland ambulance workers have taken a vote to defer strike action for two months as a result of growing attacks on paramedics. Ambulance crew from all over the province met in Londonderry on Tuesday January 8 to discuss attacks on staff, the most of recent of which injured two ambulance crew at the weekend.
Ambulance workers defer strike action for two months
Northern Ireland ambulance workers have taken a vote to defer strike action for two months as a result of growing attacks on paramedics. Ambulance crew from all over the province met in Londonderry on Tuesday January 8 to discuss attacks on staff, the most of recent of which injured two ambulance crew at the weekend.
06 February 2017
Ambulance Crews Come Under Attack In Lurgan
Ambulance crews have come under attack in Lurgan . A man smashed the windscreen of an ambulance with an oxygen cylinder that he stole from the vehicle while the staff were treating a man who had been stabbed at around midnight on Friday, 03 February. The ambulance is now unavailable to use until it is repaired next week.
Ambulance Crews Come Under Attack In Lurgan
Ambulance crews have come under attack in Lurgan . A man smashed the windscreen of an ambulance with an oxygen cylinder that he stole from the vehicle while the staff were treating a man who had been stabbed at around midnight on Friday, 03 February. The ambulance is now unavailable to use until it is repaired next week.
23 May 2007
Attacks on emergency workers rising
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, says he will consider introducing legislation to deter attacks on emergency service staff. Outlining the extent of the problem Mr McGimpsey said the number of attack on emergency workers over the past year are still on the rise despite increased publicity and public awareness.
Attacks on emergency workers rising
Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, says he will consider introducing legislation to deter attacks on emergency service staff. Outlining the extent of the problem Mr McGimpsey said the number of attack on emergency workers over the past year are still on the rise despite increased publicity and public awareness.
05 February 2002
Ambulance staff seek immediate action to stop attacks
Ambulance staff in Northern Ireland have said industrial action is a distinct possibility if attacks on drivers and crew persist. The threat of a strike comes following an attack on an ambulance driver who was taking a seriously ill pensioner to hospital via the Crumlin Road on Monday night.
Ambulance staff seek immediate action to stop attacks
Ambulance staff in Northern Ireland have said industrial action is a distinct possibility if attacks on drivers and crew persist. The threat of a strike comes following an attack on an ambulance driver who was taking a seriously ill pensioner to hospital via the Crumlin Road on Monday night.
29 June 2022
NI Ambulance Staff To Trial Body-Worn Cameras
A number of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are to be issued body-worn cameras in a new trial following an increase in attacks on workers.
NI Ambulance Staff To Trial Body-Worn Cameras
A number of Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff are to be issued body-worn cameras in a new trial following an increase in attacks on workers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
