Ms Phil N? Sheaghdha:

I listened to the programme in question and participated in it shortly after the Deputy did. Many of the calls that followed the comments I made were to the effect that many of the people affected did not contact their unions. It is the view of trade unions across the health service and beyond that if you contact your union, we will make sure that your issue is dealt with properly and in accordance with the policy we have negotiated. It is fair to say we do that regularly and take that role seriously, as advocates for people who find themselves in that position. The bigger issue - and this also applies to assaults - is that employers have a duty of care to keep their staff safe. They are not fulfilling their obligations in that regard.