The Nurses Organisation says violence in emergency departments will worsen if systemic issues aren't addressed. 

Figures released under the Official Information Act show more than 7,500 reports of violence against healthcare staff were logged last year, matching the year before, but up significantly on 2023. 

Just over 1000 reports came from emergency departments. 

Organisation Chief Executive Paul Goulter told Mike Hosking it comes down to understaffing and people waiting too long to get treated, and it often escalates from there. 

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