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Attacks on Mental Health Staff

Adrian Goldberg uncovers a rise in the number of patient attacks on mental health workers over the last five years. Figures obtained by 5 live show a 25 per cent rise in assaults.

Adrian Goldberg uncovers a rise in the number of patient attacks on mental health workers over the last five years. Figures obtained by 5 live Investigates show a 25% rise in assaults on staff.

Incidents over that time include a healthcare assistant who was stabbed to death; a member of staff whose finger was bitten off and a nurse who had boiling water thrown in their face.

Last year there were over 40,000 cases, and the number in England alone has increased by more than a third. Adrian speaks to those at centre of the story and finds out what is being done to reduce the numbers.

Download the podcast: bbc.co.uk/podcasts/5live.

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50 minutes

Last on

Sun 8 Oct 2017 11:00

Broadcast

  • Sun 8 Oct 2017 11:00

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