Nearly 75% of emergency department staff report experiencing violence or aggression on a weekly or daily basis, according to a new survey.
Key facts
- •63% of surveyed workers reported experiencing discrimination, including racism, sexism, and homophobia.
- •The RCEM identified 'corridor care' and overcrowding as primary drivers of increased aggression toward medics.
- •In the 2024-25 period, NHS trusts recorded approximately 285 incidents of violence or aggression against staff per day.
- •The government's target for 78% of A&E patients to be treated within four hours was narrowly missed in March, with 77.6% achieved.
- •Dr. Ian Higginson, president of the RCEM, stated that many staff members no longer feel safe providing patient care.
A survey of more than 2,000 UK emergency department workers conducted by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) reveals that 73% of staff face violence or aggression daily or weekly. The findings highlight a widespread issue, with 96% of respondents reporting they have experienced abuse from patients or the public. The RCEM attributes the rise in incidents to systemic issues including overcrowding, staff shortages, and long waiting times.
By the numbers
Impact on Staff Wellbeing
The survey indicates that only 4% of emergency department workers always feel safe in their workplace. The environment has led to significant mental health challenges, with 75% of staff reporting short-term stress and anxiety, 40% experiencing burnout, and 28% suffering from long-term stress or anxiety. Many staff members are now questioning their future in emergency medicine due to these conditions.
Government and NHS Response
The Department of Health and Social Care stated that violence against NHS staff is unacceptable and has introduced new standards requiring employers to take specific steps to prevent abuse. While the government has pledged to improve NHS waiting times by 2029, professional bodies are calling for more urgent action. Data from 212 NHS trusts in England showed that reported incidents of physical violence and aggression rose from 91,175 in 2022-23 to 104,079 in 2024-25.
Timeline
- 2022-23NHS trusts recorded 91,175 incidents of physical violence and aggression.
- JanuarySenior nurses described the abuse of NHS staff as a national crisis.
- MarchNHS trusts recorded 77.6% of A&E patients treated within four hours.
- 2024-25Reported violent incidents against staff rose to 104,079.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Health.
