A SURVEY of Unite members has revealed that staff morale remains depleted within the Scottish Ambulance Service, amid elevated levels of on-the-job abuse, stress and NHS pressures.
Half of the respondents stated that they had suffered verbal abuse, while 21% reported physical abuse and 9% encountered gender-related violence. Only 15% said they have not suffered any abuse while at work.
A key takeaway from Unite’s findings was that 65% agreed, either strongly or somewhat, that stress is impacting their performance at work, and that same percentage have considered leaving the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “The situation facing Scottish Ambulance Service workers continues to be extremely alarming and depressing. The fact that hundreds of workers have suffered abuse while providing an emergency service is shocking.
“Our members are entitled to a safe and secure working environment and measures need to be taken to address chronic levels of abuse, morale and stress.”
Many workers are considering their futures despite three in five also feeling that the service is understaffed.
A total of 28% reported working at least a 15-hour shift, while 3% worked over 20 hours.
Compared to Unite’s previous survey in June 2022, there was a 2% decrease to 84% in the number of staff whose longest shift surpassed 12 hours.
Derek Thomson, Unite’s Scottish Secretary, added: “Unite’s members at the Scottish Ambulance Service face unacceptable and unprecedented challenges. Not only is this situation having a major impact on their working lives but it is also taking a toll in their personal lives.
“Our members are taking the job home often because they have been left physically and mentally scarred by abuse while trying to save lives.
“Unite is calling on the health authorities and the Scottish Government to work with us to address these serious concerns. We need to bring forward measures which can help retain and recruit staff to the service or we fear dedicated professionals will simply leave.”
