BMA highlights violence threat facing doctors

The British Medical Association (BMA) has highlighted that many doctors are facing a threat of violence in the workplace.

Following a BMA survey, the association found that one in three doctors had been a victim of physical or verbal attack but that few reported the incidents.

A third of the 600 doctors who responded to the survey confirmed that they had experienced threats or verbal abuse while one in ten had been physically attacked.

However, it was also revealed that most doctors did not report it with the survey suggesting an increasing acceptance of violence and trend of under-reporting.

Doctors confirmed that dissatisfaction with service, frustration with waiting times and refusal to prescribe medication were the main reasons for workplace violence.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of council at the British Medical Association, described the results as “worrying” as it revealed a high frequency of violent incidents and that many doctors let it go unreported.

He acknowledged that ministers had emphasised a policy of zero tolerance towards violence in the NHS but called for greater action.

“The mechanisms must be there to minimise the likelihood of attacks, to support staff who experience them, and to ensure that anyone who commits an act of violence is dealt with appropriately.”

Earlier this week, the BMA criticised the government for not properly thinking through plans to increase health screening.