Despite it being the season of goodwill, NHS Fife has issued a reminder to members of the public that violence and aggression towards healthcare staff is unacceptable.
Figures suggest that emergency service workers are more likely to experience work-related violence and aggression than other workers, which can rise by more than 60% over the two-week festive period.
With that in mind, the health board has launched a campaign highlighting the fact that staff have the right to perform their duties without fear of abuse or violence.
An NHS Fife spokesman said: “Alcohol misuse is a major factor.
“However, this is no excuse and NHS Fife is encouraging the public to enjoy the festive period with a responsible attitude to drinking and think of the consequences their behaviour may have, not only on healthcare staff, but on their own family and friends, if criminal charges are made. NHS Fife continues to work in partnership with other services to reduce incidents of violence and aggression.
“The health board promotes an ethos of zero tolerance towards any form of verbal or physical abuse and actively supports staff to report incidents.”