Nurses threaten court action over assault compo scheme

NURSES have threatened to go to the High Court after the Government announced it would not introduce an automatic compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses who are assaulted at work.

A ministerial task force had recommended the establishment of such a ‘no fault’ scheme but after seeking legal advice and interdepartmental consultation, the Cabinet decided against it.

“Particular concerns were expressed about the ‘no fault’ aspect of the proposed scheme, pressure to extend such a scheme across the wider public sector, and the financial implications of such a scheme,” a Department of Health spokesman said.