15
Jul
2013
By Calvin at 12:07 GMT, 12 years ago
Police in Barnsley have charged a 43-year-old man with assault after his alleged drunken and abusive behaviour at Barnsley Hospital.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday 25th June when paramedics brought the drunken man into the Accident and Emergency department for observations.
As a health care assistant was trying to examine him, he allegedly lashed out twice, hitting the assistant on the arm. He then continued to be abusive and aggressive towards staff in the A&E department, in full view of other sick and injured people.
Police officers were called and the man was arrested after he continued to abuse officers and staff at the hospital. He was later charged with assault and was due to appear at Barnsley Magistrates Court on the 9 July 2013.
TCPW Comment Some of us forget that Paramedics, Doctors, Nurses and other hospital staff working in Accident and Emergency departments are often exposed to acts of violence by people who are drunk, under the influence of drugs, mentally ill or who are just naturally aggressive when in a bad emotional state. The NHS estimates that there are 56,000 assaults annually in English hospitals alone, with A&E experiencing the brunt. This is a problem that the NHS is well aware of and is doing what it can to protect its staff and other patients.
For a better understanding of the issue from the staff point of view watch this excellent 10 minute video from the Design Council.
Having had to use the A&E on a few occasions myself for broken hands, fingers and tendons and so on can I suggest taking or having delivered to you a good book to keep you occupied during your wait. Probability suggests that there will always be people at A&E who are more in need of immediate assistance than you, so waiting a few hours should come as no surprise. Oh, and take plenty of change with you for the coffee machine (if you’re allowed a drink, that is).
Original story South Yorkshire Police: http://www.southyorks.police.uk/news-syp/police-support-zero-tolerance-policy-against-violence-barnsley-hospital
Design Council Video: http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/aetoolkit/the-issue/
