An average of 18 incidents of aggression, violence or challenging behaviour have been recorded each in Irish hospitals system in the past three years
The investigation reports that 20,000 incidents of aggression or violence were recorded in Irish hospitals in the past three years
According to The Journal, the number of recorded incidents rose to more than 2,000 last year, while larger-voluntary hospitals, such as the Mater, the Beaumont, and Cork's Mercy University Hospital, recorded more than 1,000 incidents in the same three-year period.
Multiple records released capture data from HSE and voluntary hospitals around the country for the years 2023 to 2025.
Naas General Hospital had a total of 452 incidents in the past three years.
The report also found that the highest number of incidents in larger hospitals occur in Emergency Departments, with one hospital in Dublin actively trialling protective clothing, including stab-resistant vests, for its security staff;
The HSE has said that while the numbers of people waiting to access treatment in hospitals is still "unacceptably high", efforts have been made to address the issue and that the increased recording of incidents is a sign of better reporting mechanisms.
But the INMO said not enough is being done. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghda said that all incidents are still likely to be under-reported, and that even incidents of verbal aggression can have a profound impact on staff as well as patients and others.
The Irish Medical Organisation said incidents where doctors are impacted are likely under-reported and that the physical infrastructure of EDs "can make a minor incident a major incident".
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