Hospital Trust Reports Increase in Racially Motivated Abuse Against NHS Personnel

NHS personnel are experiencing a surge in racially aggravated abuse, violent acts, and harassment, according to a hospital executive. Incidents where staff at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) and City Hospital were struck, spat upon, or verbally assaulted have led to some requiring medical attention. Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust implemented a red card system in January 2023, which effectively prohibits disruptive members of the public and patients from receiving treatment at its two facilities. Gilbert George, NUH’s director of corporate governance and legal, commented that despite the trust’s “proactive action” to address the problem, he perceived it as becoming “very common.” The red card system operates by the trust first issuing a verbal warning to offenders, followed by a yellow card, which serves as a subsequent warning. Should the behaviour persist, the trust is authorized to issue a red card, signifying that the individual will not be able to receive hospital treatment. Regarding the red card, Mr George stated, “What we’re saying to that individual, is that we’re no longer prepared to treat them at this hospital unless it’s an emergency situation or under our provided licence we have to care for them.” He also mentioned that the trust would assist in transferring a patient to a different hospital. During the financial year spanning 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022, NUH documented 1,237 instances of aggression, violence, or harassment (AVH) directed at staff. This number rose to 2,370 in the 2023-24 financial year. Furthermore, from April to October 2024, 1,154 incidents were logged, with the trust issuing 14 red cards and 12 yellow cards within that period. The trust reported that 103 of this year’s incidents resulted in police intervention, leading to one person being charged. An NUH spokesperson indicated that the rise in documented incidents was probably also attributable to an increase in reporting. Mr George observed, “What we’ve seen is an increase and emergence of racially aggravated AVH by either verbalising aggression, hitting our staff and even spitting at times.” “Staff themselves have needed medical care because of out-lashing by members of the public or patients towards our staff, which is really not acceptable,” he stated. In certain instances, employees were required to take leave from work for recovery. Mr George further noted that the “demoralising impact” of AVH extended to the “whole community.” He remarked, “What we’ve got to realise in regards to our staff is that they are mothers, fathers, they are grandparents, they are members of the community.” Mr George attributed patients’ frustration, which resulted in AVH, partly to overcrowding and delays. However, he also mentioned observing a “decline in the general respect towards public servants.” Earlier this year, NUH piloted bodyworn cameras for emergency department personnel and has since broadened the initiative to include ward staff. Mr George expressed, “I would love to say that I would hope to see the numbers go the other way and see a reduction in [AVH], but I fear the numbers may increase.” Security guard Baboucarr Bojang described abuse as an “everyday struggle.” He stated, “Sometimes people or patients – they feel so entitled and they feel like they can talk to some of the staff any way they want. “There’s a way to speak to others and the way some of the patients speak to staff is unacceptable.” However, he also noted that some of these individuals were seeking assistance. Mr Bojang commented, “What can you do? Sometimes all you can do is be patient.” Mr Bojang indicated that the disruptive individuals he encountered were frequently under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which complicated efforts to de-escalate situations. He explained, “It can be hard to put your point across to them and for them to understand and reason with you, there’s just no way to do it sometimes. “Sometimes it’s really hard, they can be really physical and verbally abusive.”