NHS Employers comments on figures from RCEM on A&E staff experience of violence and aggression

Responding to figures from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, which show nearly three quarters of A&E staff experience or witness violence and aggression at work at least once a week, Rebecca Smith, director of staff experience and social partnership at NHS Employers (part of the NHS Alliance), said:

“These are deeply worrying figures on the experiences of emergency department staff who have experienced or witnessed violence and aggression at work.

“No one should have to face this – it is totally unacceptable. These kinds of incidents not only have a huge impact on staff health and wellbeing but also on retention of staff as well as NHS services and patient experience. Preventing and reducing violence benefits everyone.

“The newly published NHS Staff Standards strengthen protections against violence. We have been supporting and encouraging employers to review their current practices in partnership with their local trade unions against the Staff Standards. They must take consistent action where needed to prevent and reduce violence, aggression and abuse in all its forms, with robust reporting systems, compassionate post-incident support, and appropriate training, so staff feel safe and empowered at work.”