Border Telegraph | News | `It's a shocking reflection of society`

Monday, 6th October, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 21st December, 2005 10:27

`It's a shocking reflection of society`

By Border Telegraph Newsroom

A SHERIFF last week heard at first-hand the problems faced by drunks at the Borders General Hospital.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond, who sits on the bench at Selkirk Sheriff Court, warned on a visit to the Accident and Emergency Department at the BGH: ““I take a dim view of anyone assaulting staff or creating a disturbance within department.”

Sheriff Drummond has adopted a zero tolerance in dealing with people guilty of inhibiting emergency workers.

“There is a growing concern about this kind of behaviour, which is a shocking reflection of society,” he added.

“I hear today that medical staff are having to be taken off medical duties to be trained in restraining techniques.

“The law must be seen to protect those who are helping the sick and injured.

“Hospital staff and the police both do an excellent job, often in very trying circumstances.”

Now boorish patients or visitors who cause problems for medical staff can expect more than a bandage and TLC.

A joint initiative has been launched by NHS Borders and Lothian & Borders Police to combat the problems faced by the emergency services through drunken accidents and alcohol-fuelled disorder.

The holiday period is traditionally the busiest time of the year for the Accident & Emergency department at the BGH.

Increasingly, police dealing with incidents in the street are having to provide help to medical staff at the hospital.

Chief Superintendent Charlie Common, the divisional commander in the Borders, said: “This is a hectic time for emergency workers and we would encourage people to enjoy themselves, but to drink in moderation.

“It is vital that party-goers be aware of the pitfalls of drinking to excess.

“They should also take sensible precautions with regard to weather conditions and how they intend to get home at the end of the night.

“If this is not done, the chances of people ending up at A&E are increased.”

As in previous years, police patrols at the BGH will be stepped up over the holiday period.

Police and A&E staff will be working closely to ensure that patients are treated in a welcoming, but trouble-free atmosphere.

June Nelson, a senior sister in A&E, experienced staff safety problems while working at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.

She said: “I thought things would be different when I came down here, but the Borders has the same problems.

“It’s a sad reflection on society.

“For some people under the influence of drink or drugs, their tolerance level dips when they come in here and they just see it as a place to let off steam.

“This can happen if they don’t get attended to right away because we deal first with patients in the greatest clinical need.

“Staff resources are limited and difficult patients can take up our time.”

Ms Nelson confirmed that disturbances within A&E were not restricted to weekends and also involved people of all ages.

The festive season could see the number of incidents double at weekends.

Those who do cause problems can expect little sympathy from the local police or justiciary.

The Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 makes it a specific offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service or someone assisting an emergency worker in an emergency situation.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of nine months in jail, a fine of £5000 or both.

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