A recent survey has unveiled troubling statistics regarding the safety and wellbeing of NHS staff in England, highlighting an alarming rise in reported cases of harassment, bullying, and violence. The findings from the 2025 NHS staff survey indicate that over a quarter of healthcare professionals have encountered such distressing experiences, marking the highest levels in three years.
Disturbing Statistics Uncovered
The NHS employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, meaning that an estimated 217,000 staff members have faced violence from patients or the public. More than 380,000 reported being subjected to harassment or bullying within the past year. The situation is particularly grave for specific groups within the workforce; nearly one in ten NHS employees, including a third of ambulance staff and over ten per cent of nurses and midwives, indicated they had experienced unwanted sexual behaviour during that same period.
Despite these alarming figures, the survey revealed a significant issue with underreporting. Although three-quarters of respondents indicated they would report incidents of violence, only half expressed the same willingness to report instances of harassment and abuse. This discrepancy raises concerns about the culture of fear and silence surrounding these critical issues.
The Scale of Violence and Discrimination
The recent findings echo the results of a Guardian investigation that disclosed nearly 300,000 physical violence incidents and 50,000 cases of sexual harm reported by NHS trusts over the three years leading up to April 2025. Interestingly, some trusts reported disturbingly low numbers, with eight trusts noting fewer than ten incidents of violence and 45 trusts documenting 20 or fewer cases of sexual harm. Such figures suggest a potential failure in accurately capturing the true extent of the problem.
Racism and discrimination also emerged as significant concerns within the NHS workforce. One in five Black and minority ethnic staff reported experiences of abuse, bullying, or harassment from patients or the public, compared to just one in twenty white staff members. Furthermore, one in seven Black and minority ethnic employees faced similar treatment from colleagues, managers, or team leaders—double the rate reported by their white counterparts. Nearly ten per cent of all staff reported experiencing discrimination during their work, the highest level recorded to date.
Calls for Action
The Royal College of Nursing’s General Secretary, Professor Nicola Ranger, has condemned these findings, describing the continuous rise in violence, sexual assaults, and discrimination as a “torrent” that threatens the safety of nursing and NHS staff. She emphasised the urgent need for action, stating, “Year after year, the figures reveal disgraceful and steadily rising attacks against our predominantly female profession, with no sign of letting up, and falling confidence among staff that employers will do anything about it. This is a national emergency for staff safety and it should profoundly shock us all.”
Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive at The King’s Fund, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the hostile environment must change. “You can’t run a health service on hostility. Patients and the public may face frustratingly long waiting times for themselves or the ones they love, but that is not – and never will be – an excuse for discrimination. Just as the public have a right to free healthcare, NHS staff have the right to work without fear and abuse.”
Danny Mortimer, NHS England’s Director General for People, described the survey results as “deeply worrying” and pledged to enhance support for NHS staff. He stated, “Staff safety and wellbeing is paramount, and we want everyone experiencing any kind of unwanted incident to feel confident enough to report it.”
Why it Matters
The safety and mental wellbeing of NHS staff are crucial for the effective functioning of the healthcare system. As these professionals face increasing threats of violence and discrimination, their ability to provide quality care is compromised. The current climate of fear and underreporting not only endangers the lives of healthcare workers but also impacts patient care. A robust response to these findings is essential—not only for the protection of NHS staff but also for the integrity of the national health service itself. Addressing these issues head-on is imperative to restore confidence and ensure a safe working environment for all.
