Rise in attacks on A&E staff due to overcrowding: INO

The Irish Nurses Organisation has said that overcrowding in A & E departments is sparking attacks against staff.

While the problem was once just confined to weekends, it is now happening regularly during the week, the INO claims.

Workers have reported that they are being verbally and physically attacked, as a result of drink-fuelled aggression.

INO Spokesperson Dave Hughes said there have been a number of serious incidents arising out of hostility because of the frustration at having to wait for such lengthy periods of time.