Figures from the NHS Security Management Service show there were almost 57,000 violent assaults on NHS staff in the past year (a 3% rise), with the acute sector particularly badly affected.
Commenting on the increase, Dr Peter Carter, chief executive & general secretary, said: “These figures are a real cause for concern when we know that pressures in the health service are on the rise. Many Trusts have worked very hard to reduce the levels of assaults against staff. However, despite this, there have been a staggering 57,000 assaults on staff in the last year. The worry is that if pressures increase and people wait longer, the levels of frustration will rise. “Nurses have been telling us that they are already doing more with fewer resources and staff. We are concerned, for example, that staff shortages could mean a return to the days of long waits in A&E where tempers could flare on a regular basis. We would urge Trusts to do everything in their power to avoid this situation for the benefit of patients as well as staff.”
