ANA reports that the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA (Hospersa) on Tuesday said it wanted the government to pay for the treatment of ambulance staff who have been subjected to attacks on them while responding to calls.  

The union, which has written a letter to Western Cape Health MEC on the matter, says there are more than 50 of its members who are receiving post-traumatic stress treatment as a result of such attacks.  It said there were more than 100 cases reported in 2016, and that the frequency of attacks seemed to be rising.  According to Hospersa, affected employees were expected to pay for their treatment because such cases were not covered by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act.  “We want the MEC to intervene in easing the financial burden on the affected members.  We want the employer to take an active role in ensuring affected members receive the necessary support,” said Hospersa.

• Read this report in full at IOL News
• Read Hospersa’s press statement in this regard at SA Labour News

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