NEW figures revealed there has been around 500 attacks a year against NHS staff in the region since 2019.
A series of freedom of information requests by the Scottish Liberal Democrats found in NHS Dumfries and Galloway, the total figure was 3566 incidents over the six years.
Now Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson is calling on the Scottish Government to do more to protect workers.
He said: “It is clear from these shocking statistics that more needs to be done – and urgently.
“We must safeguard all our NHS staff whether they are working on the frontline or providing other services.
He added: “People cannot expect to turn up for their work knowing that they could be the subject of attacks or abuse, it is simply not on.
“I believe ministers must ensure that those who behave so abhorrently are given swift and thorough punishments to get the message over that violence will not be tolerated in any form.”
And he wants the Scottish Government to work closely with health boards, medical bodies and trade unions to understand what employees need to be safe at work.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “No one should be the victim of abuse or violence while at work and assaults on NHS staff are completely unacceptable.
“We continue to encourage all NHS organisations to support criminal proceedings against anyone who assaults staff. The courts have extensive powers to deal robustly with assaults.”
The spokesperson added: “The Emergency Workers Act includes a penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment, a £10,000 fine, or both, and we have extended the act to include GPs, doctors, nurses and midwives working in the community.”
