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In a troubling revelation, the 2025 NHS staff survey has highlighted a significant increase in incidents of violence, harassment, and discrimination faced by healthcare workers in England. Over a quarter of employees reported experiencing some form of abuse, marking the highest levels in three years, with one in seven stating they had been subjected to violence from patients or the public.
Disturbing Statistics Unveiled
The findings of the survey, which encompasses the experiences of approximately 1.5 million NHS employees, indicate that around 217,000 staff members endured violence, while over 380,000 reported harassment and bullying in the past year alone. Alarmingly, the data also revealed a surge in sexual harassment, with nearly one in ten NHS workers—alongside a staggering one-third of ambulance personnel—reporting unwanted sexual behaviour in the same period.
Despite these concerning figures, the survey indicates a significant gap in reporting such incidents. While 75% of respondents expressed a willingness to report violent occurrences, only half felt comfortable reporting harassment or abuse.
The Impact of Underreporting
These statistics come in the wake of a recent investigation by The Guardian, which uncovered nearly 300,000 incidents of physical violence and 50,000 cases of sexual harm reported by NHS trusts in the three years leading up to April 2025. Shockingly, some trusts recorded fewer than ten cases of violence, raising questions about the accuracy and reliability of reported figures.
The survey also sheds light on the alarming prevalence of racism and discrimination within the NHS workforce. One in five Black and minority ethnic staff reported experiencing abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients, in stark contrast to just one in 20 of their white counterparts. Additionally, a troubling one in seven Black and minority ethnic employees faced similar treatment from colleagues, which is double the rate reported by white staff.
Voices from the Frontline
Prof. Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, has described the survey’s findings as a “torrent of violence, sexual assaults, discrimination, and abuse” that nursing and NHS staff confront daily. She emphasised that the ongoing rise in attacks against predominantly female workers is a national emergency that should disturb the public consciousness.
Echoing these sentiments, Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund, stated, “You can’t run a health service on hostility.” She reminded the public that while frustrations regarding long wait times are valid, they cannot justify abusive or discriminatory behaviour towards healthcare workers. Woolnough firmly asserted that NHS staff deserve to work in an environment free from fear.
Danny Mortimer, director general for people at NHS England, acknowledged the “deeply worrying” nature of these findings and reiterated the commitment to improving support for NHS workers. He expressed the importance of ensuring that all staff feel empowered to report incidents of abuse without hesitation.
Why it Matters
The rising tide of violence and harassment against NHS staff not only jeopardises their well-being but also threatens the integrity of the healthcare system itself. As these dedicated professionals strive to provide essential care, they should not have to endure an unsafe work environment. Addressing these issues is crucial, not just for the protection of NHS workers, but for the overall health of the public they serve. The time for action is now; our healthcare heroes deserve better.
