Hospital violence conviction rate: 2 in 1,500

A report that went before Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board has revealed that, from approximately 1,500 incidents of abuse which were reported against NHS staff last year, only two convictions have actually been made.

Despite these figures, board secretary Steve Combe claimed that "if someone takes violent action they can expect to be dealt with".

"Action is currently taking place, and figures are down in the last month,” he added. "We have had two criminal prosecutions for violent behaviour. There was one member of staff who was punched and one member of mental health services was also attacked. Both resulted in custodial sentences, which sends a strong message out."

In the report, director of workforce and organisational development at Abertawe Bro Morgannwg Health Board, Debbie Morgan, said: "Though approximately 1,500 incidents of violence and abuse are reported annually, it is likely that there is also a certain degree of under-reporting. Root causes include tolerance of some elements of aggression by particular staff groups, who may consider it to be part of the job.

"Simplified incident forms are in use in some areas such as A&E to increase capture of data. The Health Board incident reporting system is being developed to permit real-time reporting."