UNISON Press Release

Firm strategy and better data needed to tackle abuse of NHS staff, says UNISON

Responding to renewed government commitments to tackle violence against NHS staff today, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: 

“Tackling the shocking level of violence against health staff requires more than just warm words. Last year’s commitments to reduce harm to staff were welcome, but several months on we are still waiting for details of a comprehensive strategy. 

“We’re not convinced that body-worn cameras are the answer to attacks on ambulance staff. More prosecutions would send out a message that abuse is not tolerated and increased NHS investment in staff would make attacks less likely.

“Understanding what works must start with comprehensive figures, rather than one question on a staff survey, to use as a baseline for recording abuse and measuring progress.”