A recent survey has revealed a concerning spike in incidents of violence, harassment, and abuse directed at NHS staff in England, with more than a quarter of employees reporting such experiences in 2025. This marks the highest level of reported mistreatment in three years, prompting calls for immediate action to safeguard healthcare workers.
Disturbing Statistics From the NHS Staff Survey
The NHS staff survey conducted in 2025 highlighted that approximately one in seven health professionals has faced violence from patients or the public. Given that the NHS employs around 1.5 million individuals, this statistic translates to nearly 217,000 workers encountering violence. Furthermore, over 380,000 staff members indicated that they had experienced harassment, bullying, or abuse within the same year.
The figures concerning sexual harassment are equally troubling. Nearly 10% of NHS employees, including a staggering one-third of ambulance staff and over 10% of nurses and midwives, reported experiencing unwanted sexual behaviour in the past year.
These statistics underscore an alarming trend in which the safety of NHS workers is increasingly compromised. However, the survey also revealed a significant gap in reporting. While 75% of respondents indicated they would report violent incidents, only half expressed the same willingness when it came to reporting harassment or abuse.
Underreporting and Its Consequences
The issue of underreporting is critical, as it obscures the true extent of violence and mistreatment that NHS staff endure. An investigation by The Guardian uncovered that NHS trusts reported nearly 300,000 instances of physical violence and 50,000 cases of sexual harm in the three years leading up to April 2025. Strikingly, some trusts reported fewer than 10 cases of violence, raising questions about the reliability of these figures.
The survey also delved into experiences of racism and discrimination, revealing that one in five Black and minority ethnic staff reported facing abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients or the public—far higher than the one in 20 reported by their white counterparts. Additionally, one in seven Black and minority ethnic employees experienced similar treatment from colleagues, managers, or team leaders, double the rate observed among white staff.
Voices of Concern
Prof Nicola Ranger, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, expressed grave concern over the findings, describing them as a reflection of the “torrent of violence, sexual assaults, discrimination, and abuse” faced by NHS staff. She emphasised that the nursing profession, which is predominantly female, is under siege, with no signs of improvement and a declining sense of confidence among staff regarding their employers’ response to these issues.
In a similar vein, Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King’s Fund, stressed the importance of a safe working environment for NHS staff. She remarked, “You can’t run a health service on hostility,” asserting that while patients may experience long waiting times, this should never justify discrimination against those who provide care.
Danny Mortimer, director general for people at NHS England, described the statistics as “deeply worrying” and pledged to enhance support for NHS workers. He reiterated the necessity for all staff to feel empowered to report any incidents of mistreatment.
Why it Matters
The rise in reported violence and harassment against NHS staff is not merely a statistic; it reflects a systemic issue that jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of those who are on the front lines of healthcare. This alarming trend demands urgent attention from both the public and health service leaders. For a healthcare system to function effectively, it is essential that NHS staff can work in an environment free from fear and abuse. Failing to address these issues not only endangers the workforce but also undermines the quality of care provided to patients across the country.
