A shocking wave of violence and sexual abuse against NHS staff is forcing doctors and nurses to quit or take long-term sick leave, a Guardian investigation reveals. Frontline workers across England report being spat at, punched, threatened with weapons, and subjected to degrading sexual harassment by patients, with many feeling abandoned by their employers and the police.
A Daily Reality of Threats and Assaults
Responses from a call-out to NHS staff paint a picture of a system overwhelmed by aggression. Chloe, a 29-year-old resident doctor in a London acute medical unit, described frequent abuse since qualifying, including sexual harassment during intimate procedures and violent threats. She recounted one incident where a patient screamed at her to "kill yourself," highlighting how chronic staff shortages often leave her trapped in hostile situations.
Emily, a charge nurse from England, said physical and sexual attacks in A&E are now daily occurrences. Nurses have been "spat at, pushed, and punched," leading colleagues to leave the NHS. She revealed a terrifying new trend: young patients aged 14-25 bringing knives and other weapons into hospital about once a month. Emily also described two separate incidents where men deliberately ejaculated on nurses in the emergency department.
Systemic Failures and a Culture of Impunity
A common theme among staff is a profound lack of faith in the system to protect them or hold perpetrators accountable. John, a risk manager at a large northern teaching hospital, stated that at least two staff members a week are treated in A&E after patient attacks. He blamed staff shortages, budget cuts, and police inaction for creating an environment where aggression is rewarded with faster care.
"Fifteen years ago, you'd be arrested. Now the police aren't coming," John said, noting his trust had removed its 'zero tolerance' poster because it was untrue. He described horrific assaults on nurses, including strangulation and being hit with a table, often involving mentally unwell teenagers for whom no specialist beds are available. Police frequently return these violent patients to A&E, refusing to hold them in cells.
Broken Systems Exposing Staff to Danger
The crisis is exacerbated by failures in mental health and social care. George, a 59-year-old former consultant, experienced two near-fatal assaults before retiring, both involving mentally ill patients placed on general wards due to a lack of specialist beds. One patient obtained a knife and threatened to kill him.
Paramedics face similar dangers. Adam, an ambulance worker from south-west England, reported being strangled and having knives pulled on him in the back of his vehicle. He said some individuals call 999 hundreds of times in six months, but police refuse to intervene, citing mental health as an ambulance matter. Even when assaults are reported, police often deem prosecution "not in the public interest" for vulnerable patients.
The collective testimony reveals a workforce operating under siege, with many incidents going unreported due to overwhelming demand and a belief that nothing will be done. The physical and psychological toll is driving experienced staff out of the NHS, deepening the existing crisis in healthcare provision.
