New law will help protect NHS staff

(09/10/07) UNISON has welcomed a move to crack down on nuisance behaviour in hospitals.

The Criminal Justice and Immigration bill, which had its second reading in the Commons last night, makes it an offence for a person causing a disturbance to refuse to leave NHS premises. Anyone acting in this way can be forcibly removed by trained staff and charged.

Karen Jennings, UNISON head of health, said: "Aggressive behaviour in any form is distressing for NHS staff, patients and visitors, and should not be tolerated. So-called nuisance behaviour is often highly offensive and can easily escalate to more serious offences such as assault.

"This legislation provides another weapon for hospitals to use to protect their nurses and other NHS staff. However, if it becomes law, it is vital that employers and the police use it effectively. Too often well-meaning legislation fails to have the desired effect because of unwillingness by the relevant authorities to use it."

Ms Jennings said the union would also be making it clear that offences such as assault should not be dealt with under this legislation.

"The police should use the full range of measures open to them, as appropriate," she said. "Someone found guilty of assault could face a prison sentence, whereas someone guilty of an offence under this act would be liable to receive a fine."

The bill also plans to make it a crime to incite gay hate, punishable by up to seven years in jail.

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