How is the Welsh Government ensuring that midwives are safeguarded from abuse in their place of work?
It is our duty to ensure everyone employed in the NHS can come to work without fear of harm.
To support this, the Welsh Government has worked with NHS organisations to implement the Speaking up Safely framework and signed the Obligatory Responses to Violence in Healthcare document with NHS Wales organisations, the Crown Prosecution Service and all four police services in Wales.
This joint commitment reinforces our united stance against abuse, violence and aggression towards all NHS staff, including verbal, online or physical incidents. The document provides practical guidance for staff facing violent incidents, with a strong emphasis on improved incident reporting and prioritising staff safety.
We have issued a Welsh Health Circular urging all NHS organisations to adopt a proactive approach to preventing violence and aggression. It highlights the importance of supporting staff who have experienced such incidents, ensuring their well-being and recovery are central to our response.
My officials continue to work closely with the NHS Wales Anti-Violence Collaborative – this is a robust partnership involving criminal justice service partners, NHS organisations, trade unions, and the Welsh Government. This collaboration is focused on preventing incidents and safeguarding the physical and mental health of the NHS workforce.
A safer working environment enables staff to concentrate on delivering high-quality patient care, which in turn enhances patient safety.