THE WELSH Ambulance Service has renewed its pledge for a zero tolerance approach to violence against staff.

In a fresh crackdown on verbal and physical abuse of all NHS staff in Wales, the Trust has joined health boards, police and the Crown Prosecution Service to sign a new agreement to tackle the issue, outlining ways and means on referring cases to the police, gathering evidence and giving statements. It also gives support for victims when their case gets to court.

This comes as figures show that in the last year more than 260 incidents of violence and aggression against ambulance staff were officially recorded by the Trust. The Trust takes a zero-tolerance approach on aggression towards staff, and has been instrumental in a series of successful prosecutions.

This agreement builds upon two previous deals made in Wales, including one signed in March 2007 between Welsh Government and the Crown Prosecution Service, and a second in September 2009, between Welsh Government and the police forces.

Judith Hardisty, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development in the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Our staff should be able to work without fear of violence, abuse or harassment from any member of the public.

“They are there to help the community’s emergency medical needs, and do not need to be obstructed in their duty by unwarranted attacks.

“Violence not only puts our crews and call takers at risk, but prevents them from doing their job - caring for others.

“We condemn acts of violence and aggression against our staff and other NHS employees while they are on duty.”

Last week Jon Dewis, Health and Safety Manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service, joined colleagues at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff to promote the new deal, which coincided with yesterday’s National Personal Safety Day.

The annual event, organised by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, aimed to teach the public how avoid violence and aggression in today’s society.

For more information visit www.nationalpersonalsafetyday.co.uk