Doctors, nurses and midwives in North Glasgow will be better protected from verbal and physical abuse thanks to new powers introduced last week.  The Emergency Workers Act has been extended to improve the protection of NHS staff in the community.

Springburn MSP Paul Martin was instrumental in forming the law, following attacks on fire-fighters in his constituency.  Since the law was introduced in 2005 – to safeguard emergency service workers - 1,256 people have been charges, of which 594 have been convicted.

Mr Martin said: “I’m delighted these workers are now included in the act.  It will send out a message to anyone who verbally or physically abuses staff that it is not acceptable.  I’m sure staff in this area will have been affected by abuse in some way, but they shouldn’t have to put up with it.”

He added: “I also think it’s important that we look at ways to improve the safety of other workers, such as hospital porters, administration staff and bus drivers.”