Fines for verbal abuse may cover community pharmacy
Proposals to impose £1,000 fines on those who verbally abuse or threaten NHS staff may be extended after consultation to cover community pharmacies.
Health minister Caroline Flint unveiled the planned maximum penalty and
new powers to enable chiefs of NHS-owned hospitals, clinics and GP premises
to physically eject rowdy and intimidating visitors.
Officials confirmed it will cover pharmacies and their staff on hospital
premises but the issue of community pharmacies is “a matter for
consultation”.
Speaking in general terms, Ms Flint said: “All NHS staff deserve
respect, not abuse. We are sending a clear message to the small minority
of patients or visitors who are abusive, drunken or behave antisocially
that this will not be tolerated.”
Current penalties for physical assault on health care staff under common
law are considered to be sufficient. Prosecutions have increased from
just 51 in 2002–03 to 759 in 2004–05.
The consultation (PDF 80K),
details of which are available on the Department
of Health website,
is open until 1 September 2006. |
The
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