One member of staff is the victim of violence or aggression at the Vale of Leven Hospital every week.

New figures branded “shameful” by one campaigner show that 54 incidents were recorded in the 12 months between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, with a trade union official warning that the number of staff facing attacks is likely to be significantly higher in reality.

The data, published following a Freedom of Information request to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) by the Lennox Herald, revealed 47 incidents where a patient assaulted a staff member, four threats of physical violence made towards staff and three instances of verbal abuse.

Campaigners from Hospitalwatch have said they will raise the worrying figures with NHSGGC chiefs and push for more to be done to protect staff from violence and threats.

Want to see more SNP fails? – Politics Matters