MS, Cabinet Secretary for
Health and Social Care: I am today confirming the commencement of
sections 119 and 120 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act
2008 in Wales.
This is a significant and positive step, which strengthens
protections for NHS staff and will help ensure all hospitals and
healthcare settings are safe places where compassionate care can
flourish.
Section 119 creates a specific offence of causing nuisance or
disturbance on NHS premises, reinforcing the message that
disruptive and intimidating behaviour has no place in our health
service. Section 120 provides authorised NHS officers with the
power to remove a person reasonably suspected of committing that
offence.
Together, these provisions give staff the confidence and mandate
to act swiftly to protect themselves, their colleagues, and their
patients, so services can continue to be provided without
disruption.
This is about safety, dignity and support for the workforce. It
does not criminalise people seeking care; it ensures staff can do
their jobs free from fear and people can receive treatment in
calm and secure environments.
By commencing these sections, we are underlining our long-held,
zero tolerance approach to violence and unacceptable behaviour in
the NHS.
This work has been shaped in partnership with the
Anti‑Violence Collaborative, Police, Crown Prosecution Service,
NHS organisations and trade unions, reflecting our shared
commitment to safe workplaces and the wellbeing of staff. The
constructive engagement and practical insights have helped ensure
the approach is robust, proportionate and ready for
implementation.
In Wales, we stand with our NHS workforce. We will continue to
support staff with the tools, training and partnerships they need
to feel safe at work and to deliver the high‑quality care that
people rely on.
To support implementation, we are issuing guidance to NHS
organisations in Wales under s121 of the Act. It sets out
practical expectations for authorisation, training, safe removal,
record‑keeping, and integration with local violence and
aggression policies. It is available at Managing nuisance behaviour on
NHS Wales premises | GOV.WALES
