Doctors not safe in Andalucia

By Nicola Cowell

EIGHTY per cent of doctors in Andalucía say there is a major problem with violence against medical staff in the region.

In a survey of 56 doctors, taken by the Andalucían Medical Association, a quarter said they had been subjected to physical violence or abuse at the hands of patients.

And a worrying 58 per cent reported witnessing such an act of violence towards them or one of their colleagues.

President of the Andalucían Council of Medical Colleges, Juan José Sánchez Luque, said that they have been aware of the problem for a while, but many doctors do not take action.

He said: “Unfortunately, many doctors consider abuse as commonplace and this dynamic has to change.”

A more comprehensive study will now be carried out to target the problem.