Campaign launched to tackle violence against NHS staff after ten incidents logged every day

The NHS has launched a campaign to tackle violence, abuse and harassment against staff in Croydon hospitals and community sites.

The Kindness Matters initiative, run by Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, features posters which have been pasted across Croydon hospital.

Each print out shares a personal story from NHS staff who have been victims of verbal and physical abuse from those they are trying to help.

Matthew Kershaw, chief executive at Croydon Health Services, said: “Our staff dedicate their lives to caring for others, often under immense pressure. 

“We are simply asking people to treat our teams with the respect they deserve – no one should come to work in fear of violence or harassment.”

The most recent NHS Staff Survey revealed that more than 30 per cent of the trust’s 4,800 staff had experienced harassment, bullying or abuse at work from patients, service users, their relatives or other members of the public in the last year.

Figures also show that almost 20 per cent of staff had experienced physical violence, with security teams attending more than 3,500 incidents at Croydon University Hospital during the same period. 

This equates to at least ten incidents every day, many of these including hostility towards those caring for patients.

Sophia Gordan, who has worked at the Trust for 17 years and is a patient locator at Croydon University Hospital, was subject to a series of abusive incidents from members of the public last year.

She said: “Even now, the bad memories do linger. I remember during that time, just thinking about coming to work would bring on a sense of dread. I remind myself it was just one person, and that there are so many others who need and appreciate our care.

“It’s not always easy to move past those moments, but campaigns like Kindness Matters help remind us and others why respect and compassion in our workplaces is so important.”

NHS staff have been at a higher risk of verbal and physical abuse at work than other occupational groups in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Kershaw said: “This campaign is a call for patients, their loved ones and the wider public to remember that kindness matters when using our services. 

“We’re committed to ensuring our staff feel safe, valued, and respected, and encourage them to report any incidents as soon as possible to allow us to take appropriate action, including the consideration of withdrawing care from those displaying inappropriate behaviour. 

“These actions often impact our staff emotionally, so we also offer a range of wellbeing support to those who have been subject to any violence or abuse.”

Led by the trusts equality diversity and inclusion team and the nurse and AHP-led council, the Kindness Matters campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage respectful behaviour.

More information can be found at www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/kindness-matters

Pictured top: From left, Simon Haben, Sophia and Matthew Kershaw stand in front of Sophia’s campaign poster (Picture: Croydon Health Services NHS Trust)