Violence against NHS staff in emergency departments has nearly doubled over five years, rising from 2,093 incidents in 2019 to 4,054 in 2024, according to Royal College of Nursing research. Emergency departments face the highest concentration of violent incidents across the health service.
NHS staff at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust have suffered 1,435 incidents of physical and verbal abuse since the start of 2025. Almost half of these incidents occurred in the Emergency Department at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Innovative campaign response
The Trust has launched an anti-violence campaign called #BeKind to combat the widespread abuse affecting staff across their sites. The innovative campaign features photographs of staff members' children placed throughout the hospital to humanise healthcare workers and encourage patient empathy.
Artwork featuring staff members' children can be seen at the entrance of the Emergency Department off Grove Lane, Smethwick. The photographs are also displayed in patient waiting areas and on digital signage across the building.
Personal impact of violence
Emergency Department Matron Michael Brennan has been the victim of multiple incidents of physical and verbal abuse. One of his children, four-year-old Bella, is featured in the campaign.
Brennan said: "We are frontline staff who work incredibly hard to provide care for patients who come through our doors in need of life-saving care, and those who work here should not have to tolerate violence of any kind. I've been subjected to physical and verbal abuse several times, including one recent incident where the perpetrator was arrested and charged with common assault. He was found guilty and sentenced to 20 weeks in prison."
Systemic challenges remain
NHS system pressures including long waiting times contribute to patient frustration and increased aggression toward staff, according to analysis. Current "zero tolerance" policies face criticism as insufficient and lacking meaningful enforcement.
Liverpool Echo reports extreme cases where healthcare workers have faced gun threats and acid attack warnings. An annual NHS staff survey found that one in seven healthcare workers had experienced physical violence from patients or members of the public.
Broader protective measures
Head of Facilities Management Ian Oliver said: "Every member of our team comes to work to care for others, not to be threatened or harmed. Behind every uniform is a person, and behind every person is a family. This campaign is a powerful reminder that kindness costs nothing, but it means everything."
The Trust is expanding CCTV coverage across the estate and improving data insights to ensure security resources are positioned effectively. Additional measures include enhanced training for staff managing challenging behaviour and taking a firmer stance in pursuing convictions against those who harm colleagues.
Oliver said: "Abuse is never acceptable and we will continue doing everything we can to protect our people."
Sources used: "PA Media", "Liverpool Echo", "Manchester Evening News", "Royal College of Nursing" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
