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A recent survey has unveiled startling statistics about the safety of NHS staff in England, revealing that over a quarter have experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse in 2025—the highest levels recorded in three years. With a workforce of approximately 1.5 million, this alarming trend highlights the urgent need for measures to protect those who care for the nation’s health.
Disturbing Statistics Uncovered
The latest NHS staff survey indicates that one in seven healthcare workers has faced violence from patients or the public. This translates to an estimated 217,000 individuals subjected to physical aggression. Furthermore, more than 380,000 staff members reported experiencing harassment and bullying, raising significant concerns about the working environment within the NHS.
Sexual harassment has also reached unprecedented levels, with nearly 10% of NHS employees, including a staggering one-third of ambulance staff and over 10% of nurses and midwives, stating they encountered unwanted sexual behaviour over the past year. These figures paint a bleak picture of the experiences within the health service, where staff are increasingly vulnerable to abuse.
Underreporting Remains a Challenge
Despite the troubling statistics, the survey highlights an issue of underreporting. While 75% of healthcare workers indicated they would report violent incidents, only about half expressed the same willingness when it came to reporting harassment or abuse. This discrepancy suggests a culture where victims may feel hesitant to come forward, fearing they will not be taken seriously or that nothing will change.
Recent investigations further corroborate these findings, revealing that NHS trusts reported nearly 300,000 incidents of physical violence and 50,000 instances of sexual harm over the three years leading up to April 2025. Alarmingly, several trusts reported shockingly low numbers, with eight trusts documenting fewer than ten cases of violence and 45 trusts recording 20 or fewer incidents of sexual harm.
Discrimination and Racism in the Workplace
The survey also sheds light on the experiences of Black and minority ethnic staff, with one in five reporting abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients or the public—compared to just one in 20 white employees. Additionally, one in seven Black and minority ethnic workers indicated they had faced similar treatment from colleagues, a figure that is double the rate of their white counterparts. Nearly 10% reported experiencing discrimination from patients or public members while at work, marking the highest level of reported discrimination on record.
Prof Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, expressed deep concerns over these findings, describing them as a “torrent of violence, sexual assaults, discrimination, and abuse” that NHS staff face daily. She emphasised the need for immediate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of healthcare professionals, particularly given the predominantly female demographic within the nursing profession.
Calls for Action from NHS Leadership
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund, highlighted the detrimental impact of hostility on the healthcare system, stating, “You can’t run a health service on hostility.” While patients may endure long waiting times, she stressed that this does not excuse abusive behaviour. Woolnough advocated for a work environment where NHS staff can perform their duties free from fear and attack.
Danny Mortimer, NHS England’s director general for people, described the survey results as “deeply worrying.” He pledged to enhance support for NHS workers and ensure that those who experience any unwanted incidents feel empowered to report them.
Why it Matters
The growing prevalence of violence, harassment, and discrimination against NHS staff is not merely a statistic; it represents real lives being impacted by an unsafe working environment. As healthcare professionals strive to provide care for patients in challenging circumstances, it is imperative that we foster a culture of respect and safety within our health services. Addressing these issues is not just about safeguarding NHS staff; it is about ensuring the entire health system can operate effectively, free from the shadows of violence and discrimination.
