Police and NHS join forces to tackle violence on emergency workers

TWO emergency services have joined together over the festive period to help keep front-line workers and the public safe from abuse after an increase in violent incidents.

South Yorkshire Police and The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre at Rotherham Hospital, will be increasing the number of security and police teams working at key dates over the holiday period.

Thousands of NHS staff members are assaulted every year, and the emergency services teams said the levels of violence experienced in Rotherham have risen over recent months.

Paul Ferguson, neighbourhoods chief inspector, said: "Throughout the year, our hospital and the police work closely together to reduce risks to the public and demands from in and around the hospital.

"At Christmas time, the need to do so is particularly acute when the weather worsens and alcohol intake goes up. Together, we look forward to a safe and enjoyable festive period.”

With Christmas parties and nights out now in full swing, the number of assaults on emergency workers are said to increase.

Louise Barnett, chief executive at The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Nobody should have to face abuse of any kind when they are at work, especially when their job is to protect and care for people.

"Everyone should be able to enjoy themselves at this time of year, so we’re urging people to drink responsibly and only use emergency services when you have to."

Ms Barnett added that the partnership over Christmas and New Year reaffirmed the trust's commitment to keeping their workforce, patients and visitors safe.

The partnership comes after the recent introduction of the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act, which came into effect on November 13 and has doubled the maximum custodial sentence from six months to one year for anyone who assaults emergency workers.