Staff lay bare abhorrent abuse and threats levelled at them from NHS Lanarkshire on Vimeo.
Staff who took part in a hard-hitting video, which laid bare an abhorrent litany of abuse levelled at staff, have been praised for their bravery.
The 90 second clip features healthcare professionals recalling, verbatim, appalling incidences of hostility, racism and violent threats they have been subjected to in recent weeks and months.
Leaders from NHS Lanarkshire and the respective North and South Health and Social Care Partnerships in the region have issued the footage to call out such behaviour – and to remind members of the public of the organisations’ zero tolerance stance.
Heather Knox, Chief Executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Ross McGuffie Chief Officer of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire and Marianne Hayward, Interim Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships united in a robust statement.
“It’s very evident that each and every one of these incidents have been very distressing for all those involved.
“The staff who have taken a stand and spoken out about their experience have shown great courage.
“This clip is so raw that it’s brought several senior colleagues, with many years of experience, to tears,
“Sadly, we know this offers a harrowing snapshot of the harsh reality our health and social staff are experiencing on a wider, daily basis due to the behaviour of a minority of people.
“We have a clear message to those who would display any form of violent or aggressive behaviour, be it verbal or physical, towards our staff: It never has been tolerated and it will certainly not be tolerated now.
“We are continually working in partnership with local police in the management of aggressive and violent individuals and we will continue to do so.
The statement adds: “We have an equally clear message to our staff and partners: We have your back.
“We are proactively encouraging all staff to report any such incidences to their line manager so we can reinforce existing supports, as required, and take appropriate action against the perpetrators.”
The short clip has been issued as health and social care partners continue to deal with pressures normally associated with winter months.
As has been well-publicised, a combination of Covid cases, the effort to recover services and a shortage of staff due to annual leave or those having to self-isolate as a result of contacts outside of work is having an impact.
Unprecedented pressure is being felt across acute, community and primary care.
The statement continues: “Recent announcements that most Covid restrictions are to end on August 9 are a cause for great optimism and indeed celebration.
“That doesn’t mean, however, that our health and care services will instantly return to where we were before the pandemic. On the contrary. We have a very long way to go in the recovery process and we’ve called on the people of Lanarkshire to play their part by turning to the right place at the right time to help alleviate the pressures.
“We’d reiterate that message and reissue our plea for people to keep bearing with us.
“Please be kind to our staff and colleagues who are committed to caring, no matter the circumstances.
“People can get frustrated, and we understand that – but think carefully before you speak and act.”
Policies and guidance
- NHS Lanarkshire’s Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression Policy can be read here: https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/download/prevention-and-management-of-violence-and-aggression-policy/?ind=1568374205043&filename=Prevention-and-Management-of-Violence-and-Agression-Policy.pdf&wpdmdl=3953&refresh=610a925b4e7ca1628082779
- Different levels of PaMoVA training are available to staff. Further training information is available via the NHS Lanarkshire FirstPort and the eEmployee Support System (eESS) Live portal: http://firstport2/staff-support/salus-occupational-health-and-safety/pamova/default.aspx
Wellbeing support available:
- Staff Care & Wellbeing Helpline
Self-referral; one to one support, which can be immediate when you call or you can be linked with a member of staff or peer supporter; critical incident support for individuals and teams; peer support and various reflective practice options
Telephone: 01698 752000 (24-hour helpline)
Email: staffcare@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
- NHS Lanarkshire Psychological Services Staff Support Team
Self-referral or referral from line managers or others in supportive roles; this is a new local specialist Psychology Service for Health and Social Care Staff offering mental health assessment and intervention to individuals and/or teams. A self-referral form will soon be available on the Lanarkshire Mind Matters website.
For a request form
Telephone 01698 687055 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or
Email: Psychological_Services_Staff_Support_Team@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
- Workforce Specialist Service (WSS)
Self-referral service for staff who fall within Statutory Regulation, providing confidential, multidisciplinary mental health treatment service. WSS specialises in treating regulated health and social services professionals as patients and as such are experts at the interface between regulation, employment and mental illness and addiction.
www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/accessing-the-service-in-scotland
Email: prac.health@nhs.net
Telephone: 0300 0303 300 (Mon-Fri 0800-2000, Sat 0800-1400)
Facebook: @nhsprachealth; Instagram @nhs_prachealth
- Frontline 19
A free, independent, confidential service delivering psychological support to frontline staff via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, mobile phone
www.frontline19.com
- Time for Talking
Self-referral. This is a confidential employee counselling service paid for by NHS Lanarkshire. Staff can receive up to 6 sessions of counselling.
Telephone 0800 970 3980
- SALUS
Self-referral; SALUS offers a dedicated confidential staff helpline where you can speak to experienced occupational health nurses/advisors.
Telephone 01698 759333 (Monday-Friday 0830-1630)
- SHAPE Recovery Programme (Supporting Health and Paramedic Employees involved in providing any direct Covid-19 care)
Self-referral; SHAPE Recovery offers confidential, personalised 1-1 coaching to prevent both PTSD and depression prior to symptoms reaching a clinical threshold for diagnosis and offers intervention to early emerging symptoms. Six weekly coaching sessions are accessed via your mobile.
www.shaperecovery.com
- The National Wellbeing Hub
Self-referral; there is a great range of self-help information on their website specifically to support the wellbeing of health and social care staff in Scotland. They offer confidential compassionate listening and psychological first aid and can also help you find the right support by referring you on to local services.
Telephone: 0800 111 4191 (24/7)
www.nationalwellbeinghub.scot
- Lanarkshire Mind Matters
Website with resources to support mental health and wellbeing. Self-directed learning with online modules.
