The rates of assaults on staff in acute medical units (accident and emergency) and in acute mental health units around the country (New Zealand) are on the rise. This is putting health professional staff at risk of injury and harm and causing high levels of stress for staff. The reasons for the increased rates of violence towards health professionals is varied but can include intoxicated patients/clients, increased acuteness of some clients, under resourced or low staffing levels in hospital units. What should the public health facilities do about this? Many staff are asking for better protection from security or even the police.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/109005992/nurses-to-meet-with-health-boss-over-ongoing-assaults-and-violence

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12119760

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12086372