Hospital staff in Hull fear for jobs following abuse
They're urging people to be kind during the pandemic
Last updated 30th Nov 2020
Staff at Hull Royal infirmary say they feel scared in their jobs because abuse is being hurled at them by members of the public.
They say it's even happening on cancer wards where some of the most vulnerable patients are being treated.
Hospital bosses have now been forced to put out a plea, asking people for the same kindness that was shown during Clap for Carers during the country's first lockdown.
There's been anger from some family members who've been told not to come to appointments in the future, but the hospital says it has to enforce strict rules because of the coronavirus risk.
It was only recently that that Hull hospitals faced a crisis in the pandemic, with some surgeries and outpatient appointments cancelled.
Between March 19th and November 27th, 337 patients have died after testing positive for COVID 19.
In response, more than half of chairs in waiting rooms have had to be removed and strict safety measures signposting visitors around the hospital are in force.
Operations Director for family and women at Hull Royal, Julia Harrison-Mizon, said:
“I’d like to ask people to be kind to each other, we know that these are really anxious times for people and patients want their friends and partners at appointments, but at the minute we just can’t facilitate that.
“Our policy at the minute is for people to attend appointments alone if they can and that is to reduce our footfall and help with social distancing.
“We’ve got the technology available so let’s make the use of technology. We’re not uncompassionate so if there is a language barrier or a hearing issue, we can facilitate somebody being supported in an appointment.”