The Northern Trust welcomed Minister for Health and Social Services, Michael McGimpsey, to Causeway Hospital this week, the day after it announced it was introducing security guards at the hospital site.

The Trust will have a security presence at Causeway, every day from 8.00 pm to 8.00 am; this is one of a number of moves to protect and support staff following recent attacks. Emergency nurses have been issued with personal attack alarms and a review team has been established to look at wider security issues. The team is currently working with the PSNI to discuss future security provision for emergency staff at Causeway Hospital and will report back within the next two weeks.

Bronagh Scott, Director of Emergency Services with the Northern Trust, said that staff appreciated the Minister’s visit.

" I am pleased the Minister took time to meet and talk to staff at the A&E Department in Causeway, including two of the nurses injured in recent attacks.

"Mr McGimpsey has been very supportive and has taken a personal interest in the issue of violence to staff. The Trust fully endorses the 'Zero Tolerance' campaign launched last year and I would appeal to the public to get behind this policy. Violence to nursing and medical staff must not be tolerated."

The Minister in a statement following his visit to Causeway said he is considering tougher laws to deal with those who assault hospital staff.

"Perpetrators of violence against staff must face the full rigour of the law. My Department is currently giving active consideration to the creation of new legislation for Northern Ireland that will provide health and social care staff with additional protection from attack."

Staff chat to Health Minister Michael McGimpsey during his visit to Causeway Hospital