STAFF have been subjected to more than 150 attacks, including four sexual assaults, at Wrexham’s Maelor Hospital since April 2010.
The attacks are part of a shocking catalogue of abuse faced by workers at the hospital, the Leader can reveal.
Assaults with weapons and assault are some of the other harrowing crimes staff have suffered.
The figures have been released by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) following a Freedom of Information request.
The board has stressed it is working hard on the issue of employee safety.
The figures for recorded assaults on staff at the Wrexham Maelor show that between April 2010 and November 29 this year, there have been 148 instances of physical abuse, assault or violence; four sexual; 60 verbal abuse or disruption; and six assaults or similar with a weapon.
There were also 133 cases of other disruptive, aggressive behaviour.
In a statement, the health board says it is committed to the Welsh Government Violence and Aggression Ministerial Action Plan.
It added: “Compliance with the actions, and progress against the 26 points included in the plan, is monitored and reported to the board and submitted to the Welsh Government.”
The statement also stresses progress of the board in respect of the plan, which includes:
- In partnership with Welsh Health Estates and North Wales Police, all plans for new building construction within BCUHB are being scrutinised by health and safety and security departments to maximise the benefits of incorporating the principles of Secure by Design.
- BCUHB has established an independent board member who acts as champion for staff in matters of violence and aggression (V&A).
- There is a BCUHB action plan to combat V&A, overseen by the V&A management group.
- V&A training is available as part of the delivery of the All Wales V&A Training and Information Passport.
- A V&A case manager was appointed in August. This post offers support to staff who have been the victims of violence and the post holder links with North Wales Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure perpetrators are prosecuted where possible.
- A procedure and guidance document has been issued for staff on the safe management of V&A.
- Risk assessments are being reviewed for all areas in respect of the risks to staff from V&A.
- Staff who work in the community as lone workers are issued with an alert device that links to a call centre when activated and records an audio record that a call centre operator can listen to. Staff leave prior information of their whereabouts so that the operator can summon help if necessary.
- A system for the flagging of case notes of patients who are known to have a history of V&A against NHS staff is being explored.
- BCUHB is making representation to Community Safety Partnerships (CSP) to ensure that V&Aagainst NHS staff is included as a specific action set within the CSP Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan.
- Auditing arrangements, specifically for V&A issues, are being developed as part of the health and safety monitoring.
- CCTV and lockdown systems are installed within some BCUHB premises.
-There is active involvement in the local Pub Watch schemes.
- There is police presence on each district general hospital site.