THERE has been an increase in the level of verbal abuse aimed at staff at Worcestershire’s hospitals during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a report to the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust last month, the Trust's CEO Matthew Hopkins revealed that there has been an increase in the level of verbal abuse aimed at staff by relatives, patients and members of the public.

He said: “Sadly, I must also report to the board an increase in the level of verbal abuse experienced by our staff from some relatives, patients and members of the public, who are unwilling to comply with Government guidance on our premises.

“Unlike in the first wave of the pandemic, we are seeing high levels of anger and frustration being unfairly projected onto our staff during the course of their work caring for our patients.

“Verbal abuse of our staff can never be tolerated and I know I can rely on board members to once again support our leadership teams in taking firm action when such incidents arise.”

More than 150 incidents of people being abusive have been recorded at the county’s hospitals, and 12 of those have been related to Covid issues, including a spitting incident which took place at Worcestershire Royal and was dealt with by police.

According to Mr Hopkins, the rise in abusive incidents has occurred particularly during the second wave of coronavirus in the autumn and winter.

These incidents mainly consisted of refusals to wear a face mask while on the hospital site.

A statement from Mr Hopkins said:“Our staff are doing a magnificent job in working to put patients first through one of the most challenging periods in the history of the NHS.

“Any form of abusive behaviour towards our staff will not be tolerated in any of our hospitals, and any reported incidents will be dealt with accordingly. Our staff dedicate their lives to helping people and go home to the same constraints as the rest of the population, so they deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe in their work environment.

“The vast majority of the public, visitors and patients are really grateful for the care that our staff are giving and we appreciate their ongoing support.”