NHS Employers comments on Early Day Motion calling for action against rising violence

Commenting on the Early Day Motion in parliament calling for action against rising violence and aggression against NHS staff, Rebecca Smith, director of staff experience and social partnership at NHS Employers, said:

“It is deplorable that healthcare staff are experiencing violence, aggression and abuse at work.

“These kinds of incidents not only have a huge impact on staff health and wellbeing but also retention of staff as well as NHS services and patient experience.

“While legislation covering violence against healthcare staff exists, more must be done to ensure these protections are fully enforced in practice.

“Employers remain committed to improving workplace culture, supporting wellbeing, and ensuring every member of staff feels valued and safe.

“Preventing and reducing violence is one of the areas to be included in the forthcoming set of NHS Staff Standards. We have been working with the Social Partnership Forum on preventing and reducing violence across the system. Their recommendations will be pivotal in tackling these challenging issues alongside NHS England’s guidance on safe working practices for staff.”