Full Breakdown
Violence and Aggression Surge in NHS Emergency Departments
9/7/2026, 4:51:37 AM
Scope of the problem
A recent Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) survey of 2,126 A&E staff found that 96 % have experienced violence or hostility from patients or the public, with 73 % reporting such incidents daily or weekly. Two-thirds of respondents said the abuse involved discrimination, and only 4 % felt safe at all times in the department.
Survey data and trends
- 63 % of staff reported discrimination, including racism, sexism and homophobia.
- 75 % said they suffered short-term stress and anxiety; 40 % reported burnout; 28 % experienced long-term stress or anxiety.
- Recorded incidents of physical violence rose from 91,175 in 2022-23 to 104,079 in 2024-25, roughly 285 cases per day.
- March figures from the wider NHS staff survey showed nearly one in seven workers were physically assaulted in the past year, the highest rate in three years, and one in ten reported discrimination.
Calls for action
RCEM leaders, including co-chair Catherine Hayhurst, have urged policymakers and NHS trusts to accelerate measures that reduce waiting times, overcrowding and staff shortages—factors identified by respondents as drivers of aggression. They argue that without swift intervention, the worsening environment could have “devastating” consequences for the emergency-medicine workforce.
Verbatim quotes
- “No-one should go to work fearing – or, worse, expecting – to be attacked, intimidated or abused. open image in gallery A&E staff are being subjected to daily abuse ( )” — Dr Ian Higginson, its president
- “Every hour of every day, our emergency medicine teams are there for patients. It’s time staff received the respect and safety they deserve.” — Respondents
- “Some of the stories that our members have told the campaign so far have been heartbreaking – but not surprising.” — Catherine Hayhurst, co-chair of the RCEM quality in emergency care committee
