The grandchildren of a Birmingham paramedic injured following a patient attack have pleaded for kindness.
Deborah Darley, 57, a West Midlands paramedic for almost 19 years, was assaulted by a patient leaving her with a cast on her arm for more than six weeks in 2016.
More than a third of doctors have faced abuse from patients, according to a survey from the British Medical Association.
One in five GPs reported being threatened and two-thirds said they experienced more violence in the last year.
The paramedic said: “I have been subject to abuse on the job, and it does take its toll.
“Over the years I’ve been verbally assaulted, punched, pushed, bitten and spat at.
“However, in 2016 I was on a call out with a colleague and was seriously assaulted by the patient we were trying to help.”
An NHS report claims 15% of NHS staff have experienced physical violence from the public and patients, rising to 34% among ambulance staff.
Meg and Molly, Ms Darley’s grandchildren have said: “Nan always comes to our rescue, be kind when she comes to yours.”
Her grandchildren along with many other relatives of NHS staff have participate in the #bekind campaign to help tackle violence against healthcare staff and sending the message that “there is a family behind every uniform.”
In response the Government is now legislating for the maximum prison sentence for common assault to be doubled up to an extra two years if the victim is an NHS worker.
Dr Richard Vautrey, former chair at the British Medical Association said: “Facing such abuse leaves doctors fearing the safety of themselves, their colleagues and their loved ones, which can have a profound effect on their wellbeing.
“We’d continue to remind the public to be kind when contacting their surgeries- we are human too, after all.”
