I do not think Deputy O'Reilly and I disagree on quite as many things as we like to think. I know it is very important that we stress those differences but in respect of recruitment and retention, I certainly agree with her that this is a challenging area. As she is aware, the Public Service Pay Commission is doing a body of work. I know the unions and representative bodies have fed into that process and I hope it is helpful in coming up with new strategies regarding how we recruit and retain nurses and indeed other healthcare professionals, including doctors, in this country.
The Deputy's question is extremely important and timely. Whatever else we disagree on, I am sure this is something on which everybody in this House can agree because the safety of all those who work in our health service is of paramount importance. Obviously, it is a complex issue as those being cared for may not always have the capacity to be responsible for the actions they carry out. That is a reality. In terms of the number of assaults reported, I understand better data is now emerging from the national incident management system, which was introduced in 2015.
I understand that 4,769 physical assault incidents by patients on staff were recorded in 2016. The number for 2017 was 3,610. These figures would seem to indicate that the number of assaults had reduced but it is still a very high level. In the longer term, the HSE anticipates that the number of recorded incidents will rise as the new system becomes further embedded and better data is available to us. The HSE continues to encourage reporting of all incidents, regardless of the level of harm, if any, so that we have very accurate data. Safety in the workplace has received considerable attention and focus from the HSE. A national strategy for the management of aggression and violence throughout the health service is in place.
The HSE also has a policy on the management of work-related aggression and violence and a policy on lone working. A detailed frequently asked questions document on work-related aggression and violence is also available to all staff. Management and staff receive training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to recognise risks associated with aggressive or violent behaviours and the safety measures that can reduce or minimise these risks. Much is being done by the HSE to address this complex issue and ensure the safety of its staff in a balanced and cohesive way.
I also want to tell the House that a security review is being undertaken in our health service. Recommendations are being implemented and we are looking to grow the security presence and make sure there is appropriate security in or nearby our emergency departments, which I know is also a cause of concern. No staff member should ever have to work in an emergency department under threat of violence or assault, verbal or otherwise, and we need to do more in that regard.