HSE staff endured more than 25,700 physical, sexual, and verbal assaults over just four years, with some incidents causing fractures, trauma, and long-term disabilities, according to alarming new figures that highlight the deteriorating safety conditions in Irish healthcare facilities.
The data reveals 41 incidents were categorised as major injuries, which can include losing a limb or long-term incapacity requiring medical attention for more than six months. An additional 852 staff suffered “significant injuries,” including broken bones or trauma from violent acts, with gardaí or the Health and Safety Authority called to investigate.
Over 60% of the reports came from nurses, totaling 15,526 incidents, highlighting the particular vulnerability of nursing staff on hospital frontlines. Other affected staff included housekeeping personnel, therapists, doctors, dentists, and ambulance crews.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha expressed concern for members who “need to know that they can go about very difficult jobs of treating patients in a safe manner without having to worry about their own safety.”
Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide, who obtained the figures, blamed understaffing and patient treatment delays for rising tensions. He called for legislation mandating safe staffing levels, increased security guards, and greater CCTV use in hospitals.
Mental health services recorded 10,796 assault reports, while disability services accounted for 5,146 incidents, demonstrating the widespread nature of workplace violence across healthcare settings.
The figures underscore urgent calls from unions and politicians for enhanced safety measures and adequate staffing to protect healthcare workers who face increasing aggression while delivering essential medical care.