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In a concerning revelation, the latest NHS staff survey has unveiled that more than a quarter of healthcare workers in England have reported experiencing harassment, bullying, and abuse, marking the highest levels recorded in three years. With the health service employing approximately 1.5 million people, this translates to over 380,000 individuals who faced these distressing behaviours in 2025 alone.
Disturbing Statistics
The survey highlights that one in seven NHS employees have encountered violent incidents from patients or the public. This alarming statistic reflects a growing trend of hostility in healthcare settings. Sexual harassment has also reached unprecedented levels, with nearly 10% of NHS staff, including a third of ambulance personnel and more than 10% of nurses and midwives, stating they experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in the last year.
Despite the staggering figures, underreporting remains a significant concern. Although around 75% of respondents indicated they would report violent incidents, only half felt comfortable doing the same for cases of harassment or abuse. This hesitancy is compounded by a lack of confidence in the system’s response to such incidents.
A Broader Context of Violence
A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that NHS trusts reported nearly 300,000 incidents of physical violence and 50,000 cases of sexual harm in the three years leading up to April 2025. However, the credibility of these figures is called into question when one considers that eight NHS trusts recorded fewer than ten cases of violence, while 45 trusts documented 20 or fewer incidents of sexual harm. Such discrepancies indicate a troubling trend of underreported violence and abuse within the system.
Racism and Discrimination in the Workplace
The survey also sheds light on the disturbing prevalence of racism and discrimination within the NHS. One in five staff from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds reported experiencing abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients or the public—a stark contrast to the one in 20 white staff members who reported similar experiences. Moreover, one in seven Black and minority ethnic employees indicated they had faced such behaviour from colleagues, managers, or team leaders, a figure that is double that of their white counterparts.
The issue of discrimination from patients is also troubling, with nearly 10% of all staff reporting such experiences—representing the highest rate ever recorded.
Voices from the Frontline
Prof Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, expressed deep concern over the findings, stating that they highlight a “torrent of violence, sexual assaults, discrimination, and abuse” that nursing and NHS staff endure daily. She emphasised the urgent need for action, labelling the situation a “national emergency” for staff safety.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund, echoed these sentiments, stating that a health service cannot function effectively in an environment of hostility. She urged the public to recognise that while long waiting times are frustrating, they do not justify abusive behaviour towards NHS workers.
Danny Mortimer, director general for people at NHS England, described the statistics as “deeply worrying.” He affirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving support for NHS staff, emphasising the necessity for all individuals to feel empowered to report any unwanted incidents.
Why it Matters
The findings of this survey are not merely numbers; they represent real people facing daily challenges while attempting to provide vital care. The rising tide of harassment, bullying, and discrimination against NHS staff threatens not only their well-being but also the quality of care that patients receive. For a health service to flourish, it is imperative that both staff and patients engage in a culture of respect and safety. Addressing these issues head-on is not just a moral imperative, but a vital step towards preserving the integrity and efficacy of the NHS as a cornerstone of public health in the UK.
