Increase in Attacks on Hospital Nurses

The latest official figures reveal that physical attacks on nurses and other staff working in NHS acute services have increased by nearly 10% over the past year, reaching more than 19,000 incidents.

Key Statistical Findings

Data from NHS Protect – the body responsible for tackling crime in the NHS – indicates there were 19,200 physical assaults in hospitals during 2014–15. This marks a 7% rise (around 1,270 additional attacks) compared to the previous year.

Overall assaults across all NHS settings slightly declined from 68,683 in 2013–14 to 67,864 in 2014–15, owing to a 4% reduction (about 2,000 fewer assaults) linked to medical factors. However, assaults not related to medical reasons rose by approximately 1,300.

Mental Health Settings Remain Most Affected

Although mental health services saw a small drop—from around 47,200 attacks in 2013–14 to 45,200 in 2014–15—they continue to be the setting with the highest number of incidents.

Despite the slight decrease in reported assaults, criminal sanctions following these incidents edged up only marginally, from 1,649 in 2013–14 to 1,679 in 2014–15.

Expert Commentary

“There is no room for complacency after this small reduction in reported assaults.”
— Richard Hampton, NHS Protect

“With increasing waiting times, rising frustration and the chaos of understaffed and busy wards, staff are too often the punch bag for a care system on the point of being overwhelmed.”
— Janet Davies, RCN Chief Executive and General Secretary

Implications for Patient Care and Staff Well-being

The Royal College of Nursing warns that these assaults exacerbate staffing shortages, damage morale and can delay patient care. With rising waiting times and increased pressure on wards, healthcare professionals face heightened risks.

Richard Hampton urges all health bodies to ensure that criminal assaults “are identified and do not go unpunished” by establishing local protocols in line with national agreements involving the police and Crown Prosecution Service.

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