Forum: Ensure measures to protect healthcare staff have real teeth

I refer to the article “Reported cases of healthcare worker abuse almost double in 2 years; reflects growing awareness” (Sept 30).

The rise in reported cases of abuse against healthcare workers is concerning, even though some of the increase may reflect greater awareness and willingness to report.

Healthcare workers should not be expected to tolerate verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment or online attacks simply because they work in a service profession. The authorities and healthcare institutions need to establish clear and consistent consequences for serious or repeated abuse.

This is particularly important for smaller private clinics, where there may be only a doctor and a few staff members, without the security resources available in a large hospital.

The authorities have rightly recognised that abuse of healthcare workers is a workplace safety issue. The next step should be to ensure that the framework has sufficient teeth to protect those who report abuse.

Desmond Wai