SDLP MLA for South Down, Colin McGrath, has condemned the "shocking revelation" that nearly 90,000 physical attacks have been perpetrated against healthcare staff in Northern Ireland over the last ten years, describing the figure as "a stain on our society."

Mr McGrath, who obtained the statistics through a written Assembly question, highlighted the unacceptable daily risks faced by frontline professionals. "That's 25 physical attacks every single day on people who are simply trying to help," Mr. McGrath stated, referring to nurses, doctors, porters, and paramedics. He stressed that these dedicated individuals, who "sit with us when we're frightened, who patch us up when we're in pain, and who save lives daily," are owed protection, not violence. He warned that at the current rate, attacks could surpass 100,000 in eleven years, a prospect he deemed "something we simply cannot countenance."

Mr McGrath advocated for "proper staffing levels, mental health support, and systems that take workplace violence seriously" as immediate responses. He confirmed his intention to raise the issue directly with both the Minister for Health and the Minister for Justice, pushing for a coordinated strategy encompassing prevention, protection, and accountability. "This has gone on for far too long. Enough is enough," he concluded, urging everyone to "stand up for those who stand by us in our moments of greatest need."