Comment from NHS England re abuse towards staff

The following is an NHS England response to a press release from the Royal College of Midwives entitled 'health organisations stand together against abuse':

Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England said: “It is not acceptable that NHS staff – who have devoted their days, nights and weekends to protecting patients in one of the most challenging environments we have ever faced – are experiencing abusive, intimidating and violent behaviour.

“We will not tolerate abuse or violence towards our colleagues and, despite the despicable actions of a minority, the overarching support we have seen from the wider public has helped carry us through the pandemic and we are proud to have helped millions of patients over the last year.”

Background

• The NHS is vaccinating in line with JCVI guidance and has zero tolerance for bad behaviour towards any staff member.
• The government announced a consultation last July to increase the maximum penalty from 12 months to two years in prison for assaulting a paramedic.