Newly released figures have exposed a disturbing level of violence and aggression directed at healthcare workers across England, with more than one in ten staff members reporting being attacked in the course of their duties.
The Scale of the Crisis in England's Hospitals
The data, published by NHS England for the year 2025, shows that 10.3% of NHS personnel experienced at least one incident of physical violence from patients, their relatives, or the public. This statistic translates to a vast number of frontline workers, from nurses and doctors to porters and paramedics, facing assault while trying to provide care.
This troubling snapshot was gathered through the annual NHS Staff Survey, which concluded in December 2025. The findings indicate a persistent and deeply ingrained problem within the healthcare system, threatening both staff wellbeing and the quality of patient care.
Regional Variations and High-Risk Trusts
The report highlights significant regional disparities in the rates of violence. The North West and North East of England emerged as the areas with the highest prevalence, suggesting a postcode lottery for staff safety.
At an organisational level, the situation appears most acute within mental health and learning disability trusts. Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust recorded the highest rate, with a staggering 17.7% of its staff reporting violence. This was closely followed by two other mental health trusts: Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust at 17.2% and North West Boroughs Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust at 16.8%.
These figures starkly contrast with the experiences at some acute hospital trusts, where rates were notably lower, though still concerning. The analysis underscores that while violence is a system-wide issue, staff in certain specialties and regions bear a disproportionately heavy burden.
Calls for Action and Systemic Safeguards
The publication of these figures has ignited urgent calls from healthcare unions and professional bodies for more robust prevention strategies and safeguards. Critics argue that the data, while alarming, likely represents only the tip of the iceberg, with many incidents going unreported.
Key demands from staff representatives include:
- Enhanced security measures in A&E departments and community settings.
- Mandatory training in de-escalation techniques for all frontline staff.
- Faster and more effective prosecution of those who assault healthcare workers.
- A cultural shift within the NHS to ensure reporting is encouraged and acted upon.
The persistent nature of this violence, as shown by the 2025 data, points to a need for sustained investment and a zero-tolerance policy embedded at every level of the health service. The safety of NHS staff is not merely an employment issue but a fundamental prerequisite for a functioning healthcare system.
As the NHS continues to grapple with immense operational pressures, these figures serve as a stark reminder of the human cost borne by its workforce. The challenge for health service leaders and policymakers is to translate this data into concrete, effective actions that make hospitals and clinics safer for the people who work in them.
