A Lanarkshire nurse is fronting a poignant stand against those who direct any form of abuse to health and social care professionals.
Linzi Munro, a care home liaison nurse, has also made a heartfelt plea for kindness in a video featuring photography of frontline staff.
All participants have been subjected to some form of hostility in recent months – indicative of wider reports that staff and partners continue to experience violence and aggression from a minority. Although individual experiences have not been disclosed – the strain depicted in the photography has been described as ‘palpable’.
In a straight-talking clip, Linzi asserts the situation is ‘simply unacceptable’.
“We know the last two years has been a really tough time . . . we know it can feel like it’s never-ending.” Linzi explains.
“We know the pandemic and its very real impact can lead to feelings of frustration, doubt and fear
“We also know and understand that patience can wear thin, people reach their wits end . . . and emotions can boil over.”
Linzi continues: “But please remember as health and social care staff we are committed to caring – no matter the circumstances
“We are human too – and we carry worries and concerns of our own.
“It’s often not easy. But we keep going.”
In an emotive conclusion, the nurse of 13 years adds: “We will continue to be here for you – no matter what the future holds.
“But violence and aggression is simply unacceptable.
“And as we continue to navigate through these testing times, our plea is simple – and from the heart. Please bear with us.
“Please. Be kind.”
Heather Knox, chief executive of NHS Lanarkshire, Soumen Sengupta and Ross McGuffie respective chief officers of South and North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnerships, said they stood squarely behind all staff and partners.
“Health and social care continues to be a positive, vibrant and rewarding sector to work in, whether that be in primary care, community, hospital or with one of our partners.
“As much as it’s very challenging it is very rewarding – the vast majority of people are patient and very appreciative.
“Sadly, however, we continue to hear reports from our staff that they are on the receiving-end of unpalatable behaviours form a minority. The impact of that can be far reaching and the strain caused is palpable on the faces of those in this video.
“We have supports available for those affected but prevention is better than cure: any form of violent or aggressive behaviour, be it verbal or physical, towards our staff will not be tolerated.”
The statement added: “We are incredibly proud of the ongoing efforts and commitment of our services and would strongly reiterate Linzi’s very powerful and over-riding message:
“‘Please. Be kind.’”
‘It’s not on’: caring Linzi takes a stand
As a care home liaison nurse, Linzi has been integral in supporting care homes in Lanarkshire throughout the pandemic, particularly during times of outbreaks.
As well as care home staff and residents, her role sees her work in partnership with a variety services, from primary care, community and hospital staff.
Linzi said: “We’ve been living in a pressure cooker situation for two years. There’s comprehensive wellbeing support available but from my point of view, we get through tough times by speaking to each other, supporting each other and sticking together.
“Most people are supportive of health and social care staff, but I have heard accounts from my colleagues across services of some of the abuse they encounter when feelings boil over.
“My colleagues in the clip are among those who have experience verbal abuse in particular. I wanted to be part of this video to take a stand against that.
Linzi added: “We completely get that people are tired and frustrated. But we are human too.
“We are all in this together and support and kindness can go a long way to helping those who have dedicated their lives to helping others.”
