Attacks on health staff increase

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7000157.stm

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The Ambulance Service has hit out at those responsible for attacking its staff following four assaults in the past month.

In the latest incident a paramedic was attacked in the back of his ambulance by a patient being taken to the Causeway Hospital on Sunday.

The victim was unable to continue working and cover in the area was affected for eight hours.

He was struck in the windpipe, head, chest and abdomen by the patient.

An ambulance service spokesperson said cover in the Causeway area was depleted for eight hours.

One person was removed from the ambulance by the police and arrested.

Brian McNeill, of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, said: "Once again a member of our service has been assaulted as he was helping a patient who had called for assistance.

"These attacks have a serious adverse effect on the victims who only want to be allowed to do their job, which is to provide care to those who are in need of our assistance."