Staff at Coventry A&E are abused by patients \u2018almost every shift\u2019 suffering from being called racist names, being spat at, slapped or punched.<\/p>\n
The horrifying reality facing frontline NHS<\/a> staff has been brought to light in a powerful video released by University Hospitals Coventry<\/a> and Warwickshire<\/a> NHS Trust.<\/p>\n The staff have shared powerful first-hand accounts of the abuse they have suffered as they make a plea to people: \u201cPlease don\u2019t abuse us. We are here to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: The city centre bar where ‘everyone feels at home’ that’s officially been named Coventry’s best<\/a>READ MORE: Group of youths ‘attacked and sprayed liquid’ at man on train in Coventry<\/a><\/p>\n One staff member explained patients get frustrated with long waiting times, saying \u2018they take that frustration out on us.’<\/p>\n Speaking about the impact on them, one staff member said: \u201cIt\u2019s heartbreaking. Patients need to realise we are also human beings – we are parents, daughters, wives mothers.\u201d<\/p>\n Another said: \u201cWhen you\u2019re working in an area when there\u2019s someone who is violent\u2026it is quite nerve wracking.\u201d<\/p>\n Up to 100 incidents of abuse towards staff are reported each month at UHCW, underlining the scale of the issue and the importance of taking action.<\/p>\n The campaign, which includes a short video, aims to raise awareness of the impact of abuse and reinforce the Trust\u2019s zero-tolerance approach.<\/p>\n Donna Griffiths, Chief People Officer at UHCW, said: \u201cNo one should come to work and face abuse.<\/p>\n “We are clear that this behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We are committed to supporting staff to report incidents so that action can be taken, and we ask everyone to treat our teams with respect and kindness.\u201d<\/p>\n If you experience or witness abuse, please report it. Reporting abuse helps the hospital take action and protect staff.<\/p>\n