‘People think abuse comes with working in A&E. It shouldn’t be like that’
How a hospital is helping NHS staff realise they need not accept violence, abuse and aggression on the job
TL;DR
- Great Western Hospital is reviving its 'Never OK' campaign to combat violence and abuse against staff.
- Recent NHS staff survey results indicated low reporting rates for harassment, bullying, and abuse.
- The campaign features staff sharing their experiences of verbal and physical abuse.
- Wiltshire police are supporting the initiative, offering training to help staff identify and report offenses.
- The goal is to change the culture, encouraging higher reporting and providing better support for victims.
- New reporting channels, including a dedicated email address, have been introduced.
- The hospital may issue sanction letters or ban perpetrators from the premises if they are intentionally aggressive.
- Swindon Town FC players are involved in supporting the campaign.