What steps has the Welsh Government taken to reduce the abuse received by emergency responders and call handlers?
We recently issued a Welsh Health Circular, asking all our NHS organisations to take a proactive stance towards preventing violence and aggression directed at our dedicated staff. It also emphasises support for those who have faced such challenges, ensuring their well-being and safety.
For example, the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust has appointed a violence and aggression case manager, supported by a violence reduction manager to improve incident recording, reporting, investigation, training, support, and reduction to ensure staff safety.
It also leads on the With Us, Not Against Us campaign, which has helped to reduce assaults and encourage reporting. The next phase of the campaign is focusing on verbal abuse and physical assaults.