Increasing reports of horrendous abuse directed towards staff at emergency departments. 

Figures released under the Official Information Act show more than 7,500 reports were logged last year, matching the year before, but up significantly on 2023. 

Just over 1000 reports came from emergency departments. 

Nurses Society Director David Wills told Ryan Bridge the assaults vary in severity but are all distressing for staff. 

He says it's everything from verbal abuse to spitting, biting, pushing, and occasionally sexual assault. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Increasing reports of horrendous abuse directed towards staff at emergency departments.&nbsp;
Figures released under the Official Information Act show more than 7,500 reports were logged last year, matching the year before, but up significantly on 2023.&nbsp;
Just over 1000 reports came from emergency departments.&nbsp;
Nurses Society Director David Wills told Ryan Bridge the assaults vary in severity but are all distressing for staff.&nbsp;
He says it's everything from verbal abuse to spitting, biting, pushing, and occasionally sexual assault.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

David Wills: Nurses Society Director on the increasing reports of abuse towards healthcare staff

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ce49ac95-a421-4fcb-b4a6-b42e017c9afe/transcript