Violence against UK nurses 'frequent'

Almost a third of UK nurses suffer frequent violence at work, a study has found.

The research, published in the journal Occupational Medicine, found that 29 per cent had suffered frequent violent incidents at the hands of patients or their relatives.

From a list of ten European countries including Belgium, Italy and Poland, only France had higher rates of violence, at 39 per cent.

The researchers found that flow-on effects included nurses leaving the profession, problems with recruitment, increased amounts of sick leave and "burnout".

The authors said: "Workplace violence is one of the most complex and dangerous occupational hazards facing nurses.

"As its effects are varied, including increased sick leave, security costs, litigation, workers' compensation, and recruitment and retention issues, it is important to address both its psychological and organisational costs."

Gail Adams, Unison head of nursing, said: "These statistics should make people in the UK ashamed.

"It is totally unacceptable for nurses to face rising levels of violence, when all they are trying to do is help and care for their patients.

"It's clear that despite efforts to cut violence in the NHS, more needs to be done to protect staff. Prevention is the key, coupled with better training and tough penalties for anyone found guilty of assault."

Dr Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said: "This is yet another shocking report outlining the serious threat of violence faced by UK nurses on a daily basis.

"All nurses and healthcare workers have the right to care for their patients whilst feeling safe, secure and properly supported.

"As the report rightly points out, the Government need to put more resources into the prevention of assaults and ensure that adequate counselling and support networks are available to all victims of assault.

"In addition, the RCN would like to see employers, the police service and the justice system taking serious action against perpetrators."

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