Concern at A&E violence

The Health Service Executive has expressed concern at the level of violence faced by staff working in hospital accident and emergency departments.

In a letter sent yesterday evening, the director of the national hospitals office at the HSE, Pat McLoughlin, urged mangers to work with trade unions to draw up practical measures on how to deal with violent and disruptive patients presenting in accident and emergency departments.

The letter also gives management the go-ahead to place additional beds in existing wards as a means of alleviating over-crowding in accident and emergency departments. It urges management in hospitals to consult with staff in the first instance but points out that ultimately the decision is one for the hospital.

The Irish Nurses' Organisation has expressed opposition to the plan, and its conference will consider an emergency motion on the issue later this week.