STAFF at South West Acute Hospital have been attacked 179 times in the last three years, with 53 of those taking place in the last 12 months. 
It is believed that most of the abuse has taken place in the Emergency Department.
The revelation has prompted calls for the Western Health and Social Care Trust to “re-examine” its policies and procedures for the personal safety of doctors, nurses and other members of staff.
“Any assault is inexcusable, but any abuse towards or an assault on either front-line staff or support staff, both of whom provide care for patients, cannot be tolerated,” said Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton who obtained the figures from Health Minister Michelle O’Neill. 
“It is my understanding that most of the verbal and physical abuse takes place in the Emergency department and tends to be fuelled by excess drink or drugs causing angry and aggressive behaviour towards others. This cannot be further tolerated. The medical and support staff are busy enough dealing with the day to day emergencies without having their work delayed by threatening behaviour from abusive uncooperative admittances. There must be a zero tolerance approach towards assaults to our dedicated health workers,” she said. 
The SDLP’s Patricia Rogers said the number of attacks on hospital staff is “totally unacceptable.”
“Perhaps now is the time that policy and procedures on staff personal safety and lone working in the Western Trust need to be re-examined in light of the recent revelations. We need to protect our frontline staff. If it means extra security, stepping up partnership working with the PSNI, lone workers carrying personal alarms, then these need to be enhanced forthwith. Occupational health services also need to have the appropriate counselling in place for staff who have had to deal with these distressing incidents,” said the Enniskillen councillor.
Sinn Fein Councillor Debbie Coyle said the Western Health and Social Care Trust “has a duty of care to its employees” and added: “It should be made clear to patients and their families that any form of abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported.”
“All staff in South West Acute Hospital, regardless of their role, work under pressure every day. It is shocking to think, that while trying to treat and care for patients, they are at risk of verbal or violent attacks. One attack is one too many and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. Nursing staff and carers themselves feel frustration daily due to staffing problems which puts pressure on them. However, they continue to provide a first class service to all who come into the hospital and should be able to do so without the fear of intimidation, aggression or violence from either patient or family member,” she said.
Democratic Unionist Councillor David Mahon believes a “zero tolerance approach” should be taken against those who carry out attacks on staff at South West Acute Hospital. 
“It is totally abhorrent that someone thinks it is appropriate to attack someone in their place of work. Doctors, nurses and our hospital staff work hard both day and night to make sure everyone has a high level of care. Verbal and physical attacks cause undue pressure and stress on staff, leaving emotional scars which take longer to heal.
“Hospital staff are there to help us and they provide an excellent service. We should be doing everything to make sure they have a safe working environment,” he said. 
Some of the incidents at South West Acute Hospital in recent years have included: a patient assaulting a nurse and a porter, a patient striking a doctor on the chest and a patient with a “lifelong history of mental health issues” hitting a nurse in the face and causing bruising.