Wiltshire Police have surveyed more than 600 hospital workers as part of their Never Ok campaign, revealing the extent of abuse experienced by frontline NHS staff across the county.
The campaign aims to reinforce the message that violence, harassment and aggression should never be considered part of the job for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
PC Becky Berni, Wiltshire Police’s NHS liaison officer, alongside trainee officers, spoke directly to hundreds of hospital staff to better understand the challenges they face while at work.
PC Berni said many staff reported feeling under pressure to tolerate verbal abuse, physical violence and, in some cases, sexual assault.
“We wanted to really listen to staff about the problems they are facing,” she said. “Many told us they feel expected to tolerate behaviour that has a serious impact on their wellbeing, with some living in fear of what they might face during a shift.
“While a small number of incidents involve patients whose illness affects their capacity, most acts of violence are deliberate. The impact is profound. Trauma lingers and affects how people feel at work, how they recover after shifts, and how they care for others when they are constantly bracing for the next threat.”
Wiltshire Police say engagement with hospital staff in the county has been significantly higher than elsewhere in the UK.
“These are victims, and they deserve recognition and support,” PC Berni added. “When staff feel protected, valued and safe, hospitals can become the compassionate environments they are meant to be.”
As part of the campaign, Wiltshire Police have developed a training programme to help hospital staff recognise criminal behaviour and understand how to access support if they experience abuse.
“Our priority isn’t to criminalise those who lack capacity,” PC Berni said. “It’s about ensuring victims are acknowledged and supported. Addressing this issue requires cultural change, improved reporting systems and proactive measures to protect NHS staff.”
Anyone who witnesses or is a victim of crime is urged to report it by calling 101 or via the Wiltshire Police website. In an emergency, call 999.
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