The Royal College of Nursing has declared an emergency over the escalating violence directed at NHS staff in England, with new data revealing a shocking average of 285 reported attacks in hospitals every single day during 2024-25.
A Disturbing Pattern of Hostility
Freedom of Information requests obtained by the Guardian paint a grim picture of life on the NHS frontline. Prof Nicola Ranger, the RCN's general secretary, labelled the situation a disgrace, a sentiment echoed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The details are harrowing: one A&E nurse reported seeing weapons brandished monthly, while others described horrific incidents of sexual assault. A retired consultant revealed he was violently assaulted twice within weeks.
The crisis is compounded by a worrying surge in racist abuse. With the NHS's diverse workforce on the front line, staff are bearing the brunt of rising anti-migrant sentiment. Mr Streeting expressed alarm at the resurgence of what he termed "1970s-, 1980s-style racism" impacting the health service.
The Consequences of a Fraying Social Contract
This wave of aggression is having profound consequences. While frustration with an overstretched system is understandable, the violence is driving down morale and harming patient care. Patient satisfaction has plummeted to a record low of 59% dissatisfied. The fallout is also practical: wards close to isolate violent patients, and staff need time off to recover from trauma.
There is alarming evidence that recruitment is being affected. Between April and September last year, there was a sharp drop in the number of overseas nurses and midwives joining UK registers. Furthermore, fears are growing that the NHS sexual safety charter, designed to improve reporting, is being ignored.
A Call for Action, Not Just Words
Tackling this deep-seated problem requires more than condemnation. While new duties in the Employment Rights Act will strengthen employers' mandates to prevent harassment, the NHS presents unique challenges. Managers face impossible choices about treating those who threaten their staff.
The issue extends beyond healthcare, reflecting wider societal trends of reduced trust in institutions and hostility towards experts. Mr Streeting is now under pressure to empower staff to uphold standards and ensure police properly deal with violent offenders. The social contract, symbolised by the NHS, is frayed but, with decisive leadership, can be mended.
