Protect healthcare workers from abuse after huge rise in incidents

Between 2020 and 2025, there was a 252% increase in enquiries to the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in London relating to incidents of violence and abuse, as well as a rise in racist abuse experienced by nursing staff.

The London Assembly has today called for action to tackle violence, abuse and intimidation against healthcare workers across the capital.

The Assembly has also called on the Mayor to work with NHS partners on a London-wide campaign promoting respect for healthcare staff, ensuring safe working environments, and prompt police action where incidents occur.

Krupesh Hirani AM who proposed the motion, said:

“No one should face violence, threats or abuse simply for doing their job, yet healthcare workers across London are experiencing completely unacceptable behaviour while caring for others.

“That's why we have called for a clear message across London that abuse of healthcare staff will not be tolerated, alongside proper support for workers to report incidents and confidence that serious cases will be investigated and acted upon.”

The full text of the motion is:

“Too many frontline healthcare workers face verbal and physical abuse while undertaking their vital work across our city.

Between 2020 and 2025, the Royal College of Nursing in London reported a 252% increase in enquiries from members relating to incidents of violence and abuse,  being punched, spat at, verbally abused, threatened, slapped, kicked, or otherwise assaulted.

The RCN has also found 21,000 incidents of racist abuse reported by nursing staff across the UK over the last four years, representing a 78% increase during that period.

The Assembly’s Health Committee recently heard from healthcare workers from across the NHS about the violence, abuse and intimidation they experience while undertaking their duties.
The London Assembly condemns all attacks on London’s healthcare workforce as completely unacceptable.

The Assembly calls on the Mayor to:

• Publicly condemn violence and abuse against healthcare workers and work with NHS partners and other key stakeholders to develop and deliver a London-wide public awareness campaign highlighting the impact of such behaviour and promoting respect for healthcare staff.
• Work with NHS organisations across London to ensure healthcare workers have access to safe working environments, effective reporting mechanisms, and clear processes that support staff, encourage reporting, and demonstrate that appropriate action is taken in response to incidents.
• Ensure the Metropolitan Police Service respond to incidents involving the safety and security of healthcare workers promptly, investigates thoroughly, and takes enforcement action, where appropriate.”

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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