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In a distressing revelation, a recent survey has highlighted a significant rise in incidents of harassment, bullying, and violence against NHS staff in England. The findings indicate that over a quarter of healthcare workers reported experiencing various forms of abuse in 2025, the highest numbers recorded in the past three years. This troubling trend underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and support for those on the front lines of healthcare.
Growing Concerns for NHS Workers
The 2025 NHS staff survey, which included responses from over 1.5 million employees, uncovered that one in seven staff members had suffered violence from patients or members of the public. This translates to an estimated 217,000 workers facing physical aggression during their duties. Additionally, more than 380,000 individuals reported experiencing harassment or bullying, painting a grim picture of the working environment within the health service.
Further compounding these issues, nearly ten per cent of NHS employees indicated they had faced unwanted sexual behaviour in the past year. Alarmingly, one-third of ambulance staff and over ten per cent of nurses and midwives reported similar experiences, highlighting an epidemic of sexual harassment that demands immediate attention.
Underreporting Remains a Challenge
Despite these alarming statistics, the survey also revealed a troubling trend of underreporting. While three-quarters of respondents expressed a willingness to report incidents of violence, only about half felt comfortable reporting harassment or abuse. This discrepancy suggests a culture of intimidation, where victims may fear retaliation or believe that their complaints will go unaddressed.
A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that NHS trusts had documented nearly 300,000 incidents of physical violence and 50,000 cases of sexual harm over the three years leading up to April 2025. Yet, some trusts reported shockingly low numbers of violent incidents, raising questions about the accuracy of reporting mechanisms and the effectiveness of responses to such allegations.
A Spotlight on Racism and Discrimination
The survey also shed light on the experience of Black and minority ethnic staff within the NHS, revealing that one in five reported facing abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients, a stark contrast to the one in 20 white staff who reported similar experiences. Furthermore, one in seven Black and minority ethnic staff indicated they had encountered harassment from colleagues or management, a figure that is double the rate among their white counterparts.
The findings also highlighted a record high of nearly one in ten workers experiencing discrimination from patients or the public, signalling an urgent need for systemic change within the NHS to foster a safer and more inclusive working environment.
Voices from the Frontline
Prof Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, expressed grave concern over the survey’s findings, describing them as a “torrent of violence, sexual assaults, discrimination and abuse” that nursing staff face daily. She emphasised the need for immediate action, stating, “Year after year, the figures reveal disgraceful and steadily rising attacks against our predominantly female profession, with no sign of letting up.”
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund, echoed these sentiments, asserting that a health service cannot thrive in an environment of hostility. “Patients and the public may face frustratingly long waiting times, but that is not an excuse for discrimination,” she noted. Woolnough affirmed the right of NHS staff to work without fear of abuse.
Meanwhile, Danny Mortimer, director general for people at NHS England, acknowledged the “deeply worrying” nature of the statistics and pledged to enhance support for NHS workers. He emphasised that staff safety and wellbeing are paramount, urging individuals to feel empowered to report any unwanted incidents.
Why it Matters
The escalating rates of harassment and violence against NHS staff are not just statistics; they reflect a broader societal issue regarding respect and safety in the workplace. As healthcare professionals tirelessly dedicate themselves to caring for others, it is imperative that we confront this crisis with urgency and compassion. The health service thrives on the dedication of its employees, and ensuring their safety is essential for maintaining the integrity of care provided to the public. Without meaningful change, the NHS faces an uncertain future, where fear and intimidation may overshadow its mission to serve the community.
