Over 60% of doctors' assistants faced with violence

Around 62 percent of doctors' assistants were faced with violence over the past two years, the Dutch association for doctors' assistants NVDA reports based on a survey among nearly a thousand members. Incidents included spitting, hitting, kicking, vandalism and even threats with an ax, knife or firearm, ANP reports.

Over a quarter of assistants reported experiencing such incidents more than four times per year. In some cases, the police had to be called in. 44 percent indicate that the violence is increasing.

Many assistants in GP offices report feeling fear, insecurity and anger, according to NVDA. Some experience long-term physical complaints due to such violent incidents.

"This is a social problem that affects all healthcare providers", NVDA chairman Kees Gillis said to the news wire.