NHS data shows that in 2024 one-seventh of NHS staff (14.48%) will experience physical violence by patients, relatives, or members of the general public.
According to NHS England’s latest annual NHS Staff Survey, the number of attacks on staff has increased since 2023 when it was at 13.8%.
NHS England stated that the numbers were still lower than the records seen in the years between 2020 and 2022, during the pandemic.
The number of staff experiencing discrimination in the workplace has reached its highest level since five years (9.25%). More than half (54.09%), say that the discrimination received by patients and the general public is based on ethnicity.
Eighty-two percent (8.82%) of NHS workers have experienced unwanted sexual behavior, including offensive remarks, touching and assault.
NHS England reported that the proportion of affected staff remained the same as the figures from 2023 (8.79%), when the first question was asked.
The Health Education England National Education and Training Survey has now also been published. It found that 13% learners had experienced or seen unwanted, harmful, or inappropriate sexual behavior by patients.
Last October, the NHS released a framework for a national policy on sexual misconduct. NHS England reported that every integrated care board in England and NHS trust has signed the NHS Sexual Safety Charter. This charter commits the organizations to a zero tolerance approach towards unwanted workplace behaviours.
The survey included 744 358 people, which is the highest number of staff members in 20 years. Over 43 500 took part in a national survey on education and training.
The survey also found that NHS workers are more satisfied than ever with flexible work options (57.65%). The number of respondents who said they had achieved a good balance between work and home life was at its highest level since the first time this question was asked in 2021 (56.61%).
NHS England reported that staff satisfaction levels with pay have increased from 25.48 percent in 2022 to 32.05 percent. Satisfaction with line managers has also continued to increase, with 72.72% of workers saying they feel valued at work.
Royal College of Nursing, however, painted a very opposite picture, saying the findings should send shockwaves through the government. The results revealed that staff were dealing with “a tide of racism, abuse, and bullying, while an over-stretched workforce, under-resourced and underpaid, is forcing many to work without pay or while unwell”.
The survey revealed that 35% said they have experienced bullying, harassment, or abuse from patients, relatives, or members of the general public at work.
The college stressed that the results show staff shortages are still a major concern. Only 31% said that there was enough staff for them to perform their jobs properly. 45% felt unwell due to work-related stress. The RCN claimed that more than half of respondents (58%) reported to work even though they were not well enough. This is a 9-point increase since 2020.
RCN said that only 27% of respondents were satisfied with the level of their pay. Over half (58%) of respondents said that they work unpaid overtime each week, and almost a third (29%) say they think about leaving their present organisation often.
Patricia Marquis, executive director of RCN England, said: “It’s disturbing and saddening when you see the level of bullying, abuse and discrimination that is directed at staff while they are caring for patients. This should send shockwaves throughout the NHS, the government, and society. Racism in the health care system must be unacceptable. Employers and government should take a firm stance to stamp it out.
Dr Navina Evan, chief workforce officer, training and educational officer at NHS England said: “It is totally unacceptable that NHS workers are subjected to physical violence, sexual abuse and discrimination by patients and members of the public, while they work. I urge anyone who has been affected to report the incident to their employer as well as the police.
The survey results are important because they allow all NHS staff to be heard and to act on their opinions.
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