Full Breakdown
Alarming Rise in Violence and Harassment Against NHS Staff
3/14/2026, 10:09:50 AM
Core Findings of the 2025 NHS Staff Survey
The 2025 NHS Staff Survey has revealed a significant increase in violence and harassment faced by NHS staff in England. Approximately 14.47% of NHS employees reported being physically attacked by patients or the public in the past year, marking the highest rate in three years. The survey, which included responses from over 766,000 workers, also indicated that more than a quarter experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse, with nearly one in ten reporting unwanted sexual behavior. These figures highlight a troubling trend in the safety and well-being of NHS staff.
Discrimination and Racism in the Workplace
The survey findings underscore a concerning prevalence of discrimination within the NHS. One in five Black and minority ethnic staff reported experiencing abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients, compared to just 5% of white staff. Furthermore, 14% of Black and minority ethnic staff faced similar treatment from colleagues or managers, double the rate of their white counterparts. The data indicates that nearly 9% of all staff reported discrimination from patients, the highest figure recorded to date.
Official Responses and Commitments
Danny Mortimer, Director General for People at NHS England, described the survey results as "deeply worrying," emphasizing the need for improved support for NHS workers. He stated, “Staff safety and well-being is paramount, and we want everyone experiencing any kind of unwanted incident to feel confident enough to report it.” Rory Deighton, representing NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, echoed these sentiments, calling the levels of violence and harassment "completely unacceptable" and highlighting the need for a cultural shift within the NHS to tackle racism.
Criticism of Current Measures
Despite some improvements noted in compassionate leadership and support from line managers, critics argue that the overall situation remains dire. Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at The King’s Fund, criticized the normalization of racism within the NHS, stating, “Abuse experienced by staff from ethnic minority backgrounds leaves the NHS stuck in decades past.” Woolnough called for the upcoming 10 Year Workforce Plan to prioritize anti-racism initiatives and to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder staff retention.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the survey indicates a rise in reported incidents of violence and harassment, some NHS trusts reported fewer than ten cases of violence, raising questions about the accuracy and consistency of reporting across the board. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing issue of underreporting, particularly concerning harassment and abuse, where only about half of staff indicated they would report such incidents.
What's Next for NHS Staff Safety
The NHS is set to introduce a new Staff Standards framework aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring that all staff experience high-quality working conditions. NHS leaders are committed to enhancing workforce planning, training, and development to improve the overall work environment. As the NHS continues to navigate challenges, the focus remains on fostering a safer and more supportive atmosphere for its employees.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These figures paint a deeply worrying picture of the abuse our hardworking NHS staff face.” — Danny Mortimer, Director General (People), NHS England
- “It is completely unacceptable that staff in the NHS continue to be subjected to racism at work.” — Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive, The King’s Fund
- “Responding to the findings of the 2025 NHS Staff Survey, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director speaking on behalf of NHS Providers and the NHS Confederation, said: “NHS staff work tirelessly to care for patients and have a right to feel supported, valued, and respected at work.” — Rory Deighton, Acute and Community Care Director, NHS Providers and NHS Confederation
