Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
290. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of medical staff that have been assaulted whilst on duty nationally in 2023, 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [70394/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDear Deputy Crowe,
With regard to the above request for information, please see table attached of the report on Assaults on staff across all health facilities:
This information has been collated by 'national Incident Management System' (NIMS) and to the data in the report. In 2015 the NIMS system was introduced by the SCA. This requires all incidents to be reported through a national centralised system and will ultimately improve the quality of the data. However, the HSE has long been proactive in encouraging staff to report all incidents and this is enshrined in the Corporate Safety Statement, Violence and Aggression policy and Incident Management Framework and Guidance.
The majority of reported incidents were negligible, accounting for 94.58% (384). Minor incidents were 4.19% (17), moderate incidents were 1.23%. There were no reported major or extreme incidents.
Severity Ratings:
Negligible is defined as adverse event leading to minor injury not requiring first aid. No impaired psychosocial functioning.
Minor is defined as minor injury or illness, first aid treatment required < 3 days extended hospital stay Impaired psychosocial functioning greater than 3 days less than one month.
Moderate is defined as significant injury requiring medical treatment e.g. Fracture and/or counselling. Agency reportable, e.g. HSA, Gardaí (violent and aggressive acts). >3 Days absence 3-8 days extended hospital stay. Impaired psychosocial functioning greater than one month and less than six months.
Major is defined as major injuries/long term incapacity or disability (loss of limb) requiring medical treatment and/or counselling Impaired psychosocial functioning greater than six months.
Extreme is defined as an incident leading to death or major permanent incapacity. Event which impacts on large number of service users or member of the public. Permanent psychosocial functioning incapacity.
Table 1. Incidents by Severity Rating on Medical Staff for each Year 2023, 2024 and 2025
|
Incidents by Severity Rating |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Grand Total |
|
Negligible |
119 |
134 |
131 |
384 |
|
Minor |
6 |
8 |
~ |
17 |
|
Moderate |
~ |
~ |
~ |
~ |
|
Grand Total |
128 |
143 |
135 |
406 |
