Tens of thousands of nurses, doctors and paramedics across England are being assaulted each year by patients, with healthcare unions warning that violence and sexual abuse against NHS staff has reached crisis levels.
Freedom of information data from 212 NHS trusts shows more than 295,000 incidents of physical violence and aggression were recorded between 2022 and 2025, including threats, attempted attacks and serious assaults. Reported cases rose from 91,175 in 2022–23 to more than 104,000 in 2024–25, the equivalent of nearly 300 incidents every day.
The rise has been particularly acute during peak winter pressures and holiday periods. Over Christmas and New Year, unions warned of a sharp spike in abuse, including a crowbar attack at Newton Community Hospital in Merseyside, where six staff and patients were injured. Police confirmed the suspect was detained under the Mental Health Act.
Sexual Assault and Harassment Rising
Trusts also recorded almost 24,000 cases of sexual assault or harassment against staff over the past three years, ranging from verbal abuse to serious sexual violence. This compares with around 20,000 incidents over the previous five years, indicating a rapid escalation.
The Royal College of Nursing said female staff in particular were being targeted, with some reporting sexual assault while delivering care and others witnessing deliberate indecent acts by patients in A&E and wards.
Delays, Racism and Mistrust Fuel Aggression
The British Medical Association said violence is being driven by long waiting times, overcrowded emergency departments, rising mental health need and growing hostility towards healthcare workers.
Doctors report an increase in racist abuse directed at overseas and ethnic minority staff, as well as hostility linked to Covid and vaccine conspiracy theories. Union leaders said distrust of medicine and frustration with overstretched services are creating a volatile environment for frontline workers.
Mental Health Pressures and Ward Closures
Hospital managers say severe shortages of secure mental health beds are forcing some violent or highly distressed patients to remain in general wards for weeks or months, leading to entire wards being shut for safety reasons.
Risk managers described situations where one teenager or adult patient required constant supervision by multiple staff, security presence and physical isolation, causing major disruption and damage costing tens of thousands of pounds.
Under-Reporting Masks True Scale
Unions warned the official figures represent only a fraction of the real problem, as many assaults go unreported due to time pressures and fear of repercussions. Some trusts reported implausibly low numbers, raising concerns about inconsistent reporting and lack of transparency.
A recent RCN survey of 20,000 nurses found more than a quarter had been physically assaulted in the past year, while more than one in 10 experienced sexual harassment.
Government and Police Response
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said violence, racism and sexual abuse of NHS staff are “completely unacceptable” and pledged tougher enforcement, improved reporting systems and stronger action against offenders. NHS England reiterated its zero-tolerance policy and urged staff to report all incidents.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council confirmed forces across the UK are committed to prioritising investigations and prosecutions involving attacks on healthcare workers.
Wider NHS Context
The surge in abuse comes amid sustained pressure on hospitals from record waiting lists, winter virus outbreaks, staffing shortages and delayed discharges. Health leaders warn that without better protection for staff and faster access to mental health and social care services, the safety crisis will continue to worsen.
