The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust has said there has been “rising levels of violence and aggression” towards staff recently.

On November 23, a NHS worker at Lewisham University Hospital was stabbed in the upper arm.

Responding to the incident, Jo Peck - joint acting chief nurse for Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust – said there has been rising levels of violence and aggression towards staff in line with facing "significant demand" to services.

She said this includes anger over the steps needed to keep people safe from coronavirus – including asking visitors to wear face masks.

As a result, 24/7 security support will now be introduced at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust hospitals.

Ms Peck said the organisation is supporting colleagues in the emergency department and the victim of the incident.

She added that the NHS worker is recovering “well” at home.

The suspect was arrested at the scene of the stabbing and Christopher McTavish, 38, has since been charged with section 18 "wounding with intent".

McTavish, of no fixed address, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 25.

The full Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust statement said: "The organisation is supporting colleagues in the emergency department and the member of staff who was attacked; everyone is pleased that he is recovering well at home.

“Like other NHS Trusts, we have been facing significant demand for our services and, sadly, rising levels of violence and aggression towards our staff – with some anger over the steps we need to take to keep people safe, such as asking visitors to wear face coverings.

"We held staff focus groups over summer and subsequently invited all staff to join a taskforce to deal with this issue – steps taken in response include introducing additional 24/7 security support at our hospitals.”

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: "A man has been charged after a member of staff was stabbed in the arm at Lewisham University Hospital.

"Christopher McTavish, 38 (30.10.83), of no fixed abode, was charged on Wednesday, 24 November with section 18 wounding with intent.

"He appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 25 November.

"Police were attending Lewisham University Hospital on Tuesday 23 November on a separate matter, when at approximately 15:44 hrs a member of staff was stabbed in the upper arm.

"The male was quickly arrested at the scene.

"The victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing."

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