What is the latest data on assaults against NHS staff in England?

Assaults on NHS staff in England have increased by 20% in three years, with over 15,000 more incidents recorded between 2022 and 2024.

Which NHS trust reported the most assaults on staff?

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust reported the highest number of incidents, with 8,177 assaults on its employees in 2024.

What are the causes of increased violence against NHS staff?

While improved reporting plays a role, factors like increased A&E pressures and staffing shortages are also cited as contributors to rising violence.

Home / Health / NHS Staff Face Alarming Rise in Violence

NHS Staff Face Alarming Rise in Violence

1 Jan

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Summary

Assaults on NHS staff rose by a fifth in three years.
One trust recorded over 8,000 incidents of assault.
Violence against staff occurs across all health settings.

NHS Staff Face Alarming Rise in Violence

Assaults and threats against NHS staff in England have seen a significant increase, rising by 20% between 2022 and 2024. Data reveals that over 15,000 more incidents were recorded in this period, with one trust, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, documenting an staggering 8,177 assaults on its employees in 2024 alone. These figures paint a grim picture of the daily challenges faced by healthcare professionals.

The surge in violence is not confined to specific departments, affecting staff across all health and care settings. While some trusts attribute the rise in recorded incidents to improved reporting, the overall trend is deeply concerning. Examples include shocking criminal cases where staff were subjected to violent attacks, resulting in serious injuries and lengthy prison sentences for perpetrators.

Organizations like the RCN stress that this violence causes significant physical and mental scarring, impacting staff well-being and the broader healthcare workforce. Calls are being made for ministers to address underlying causes, such as A&E pressures and staffing levels, to curb these unacceptable incidents and ensure staff safety.