Wales cracks down on hospital nuisance behaviour
New legal protections for NHS staff against nuisance and disruptive behaviour have come into force in Wales.
The changes create a specific offence of causing nuisance or disturbance on NHS premises and give both police and authorised NHS officers the power to remove individuals when necessary.
Examples of disruptive behaviour include verbal abuse, blocking corridors, preventing staff from carrying out their duties, or creating excessive noise in waiting areas and wards. The powers do not apply to people seeking medical care, advice or treatment for themselves.
Individuals who refuse to leave when asked by staff or police, and who are not on NHS premises to receive medical treatment, could face action under the new measures.
The legislation forms part of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 and is intended to ensure hospitals remain safe for staff, patients and visitors. Police will have the power to remove a person suspected of committing the offence, using reasonable force if required.
The new powers were developed in partnership with the Anti-Violence Collaborative, police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service, NHS Wales organisations and trade unions.
Recent findings from the All-Wales NHS Staff Survey show a decline in the number of staff who feel safe from abuse by patients and the public, falling from 83.6% to 74.8%.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles said: “These powers strengthen protections for our NHS staff and help ensure that our hospitals and healthcare settings remain safe for staff and patients where care can flourish.
“This is about safety, dignity and supporting the workforce. It does not criminalise people seeking care – it ensures that staff can do their jobs free from fear and people can receive treatment in calm, secure environments.
“Today’s action sends a strong, positive signal: in Wales we stand with our NHS workforce.”
Chair of the Anti-Violence Collaborative Jonathan Webb said: “This represents a further milestone in the collaboration between health services and the criminal justice sector in responding to incidents of violent behaviour exhibited by a minority of service users.
“It empowers NHS staff to take appropriate action when confronted with unacceptable behaviour and provides an effective resolution to deal with incidents that do occur.
“We hope that this further reduces the number of incidents of violence and aggression seen in NHS Wales.”
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