THE Scottish government faces calls for “strong and speedy action” as NHS workers have faced more than 51,000 violent incidents in five years.

The shocking figures were revealed today under a Lib Dem freedom of information requests just weeks after it was revealed that front-line workers in Scotland faced an average of 60 attacks every day – with health staff bearing the brunt on 31. 

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton called on the Scottish government to work to “understand what staff need to be safe,” but warned of “chronic under-reporting.”

Unison Scotland health co-lead Matt Mclaughlin said: “No-one should be assaulted at their work.

“NHS staff tell us that frustrations with long wait times are being taken out on them when they are just trying to provide a service.

“The NHS workforce crisis is not an excuse but it is a cause for deeper problems.

"The Scottish government must take strong and speedy action to keep all NHS staff safe.

“We also need investment in more staff to help de-escalate tensions.”

Branding the incidents “completely unacceptable,” a Scottish government spokesperson said: ”We continue to encourage all NHS organisations to support criminal proceedings against anyone who assaults staff.“