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Three quarters of A&E staff witness violence or aggression on a weekly basis, study finds

The RCEM survey of more than 2,000 emergency department staff found that 96% had experienced violence or aggression from patients or members of the public.

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Three quarters of A&E staff witness violence or aggression on a weekly basis, study finds
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Almost three quarters (73%) of accident and emergency (A&E) department staff experience or witness violence and aggression at work on a weekly or daily basis, according to research from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM).

The survey of more than 2,000 emergency department staff found that 96% had experienced violence or aggression from patients or members of the public, while around two-thirds said incidents they experienced were discriminatory in nature.

Just 4% said they always felt safe working in emergency departments, while 57% felt safe most of the time.

The findings also highlighted the impact on staff wellbeing, with 75% reporting short-term stress and anxiety linked to violence and aggression, 40% experiencing burnout and 28% reporting long-term stress or anxiety.

Some 14% had taken time off work as a result.

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Fewer than half (41%) of those who reported an incident said their NHS trust subsequently took “meaningful action”.

Staff identified long waiting times as a factor contributing to violence and aggression, cited by 90% of respondents, followed by overcrowding at 85%.

Staff shortages and corridor care were each cited by 65%.

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RCEM has launched its ‘Safe to Care’ campaign alongside the findings, calling for action from the four UK governments and NHS leaders to improve safety in emergency departments.

Its recommendations include tackling long waits, crowding and corridor care, strengthening security standards and improving staff training, incident reporting and follow-up.

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It has also called for greater accountability and coordination to ensure perpetrators face consequences.

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Dr Ian Higginson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “No one should go to work fearing or, worse, expecting, to be attacked, intimidated or abused. Nor should they lack confidence that their employers have their backs, or that the judicial system will kick in. 

“Yet, that’s the reality faced by the majority of my colleagues in EDs across the country. They often do not feel safe to care for patients. 

“It is an appalling state of affairs which is contributing towards many people seriously considering whether Emergency Medicine – or even healthcare in general – is for them.”

He added: “Tackling violence and aggression is crucial for the wellbeing of staff, whose dedication to the NHS is all too frequently being repaid in kicks, punches and abhorrent verbal abuse. 

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“We know that long waits and crowding are one of the main drivers of this, but that is not the fault of staff. That’s on our governments. 

“Every hour of every day, our Emergency Medicine teams are there for patients. It’s time staff received the respect and safety they deserve.  

“This should not be a novel concept to anybody. Much has been said by us and other organisations over the years about violence and aggression towards healthcare staff.

“But the problem seems to be getting worse, not better. It’s time for action, time for governments, employers and organisations to stand up for NHS staff, and time to ensure that those who intimidate, abuse or assault those who are trying to care for them face meaningful consequences for their actions.” 

Dr Catherine Hayhurst, co-chair of the RCEM Quality in Emergency Care Committee, added: “Safe to Care has a very clear goal: make EDs a place in which you can work without fear of intimidation or attack. 

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“Some of the stories that our members have told the campaign so far have been heartbreaking – but not surprising. 

“Whilst most patients and relatives continue to be a pleasure to treat, it is true that we are seeing increasing levels of unacceptable behaviour from a significant minority. 

“Anyone who works in ED knows that violence and aggression towards healthcare staff has become normalised. That must end and we call on policymakers and NHS leaders to help us make EDs a safer place for staff.”  

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