An independent survey has found that 4 in 10 staff have witnessed abuse on a daily basis against healthcare workers while more than half say they lack the training to deal with risks.
72% of respondents have cited violence to staff as the leading security challenge facing them and their team in an independent study by Axis Communications, in collaboration with IFSEC. The survey of security professionals working in the healthcare industry also found – when asked whether they had witnessed abuse (either verbal or physical) against healthcare workers, administrative staff or security personnel at their medical institute – that 40% of respondents said it happens on a daily basis while nearly a quarter said it happens weekly.
The previous published report – The 2023 NHS Staff Survey by NHS England – found that a quarter of NHS staff experienced at least one incident in the last 12 months. On the evidence of this latest research in March 2025, this has changed significantly.
The March 2025 survey shows that violence to staff was given as the top answer to the study on security procedures within the healthcare environment that covered both physical and cyber related considerations. This was given ahead of factors including ‘undertrained staff in dealing with security challenges’ at 54%, and ‘budget constraints impacting the ability to upgrade security systems’ in third place at 44%.
What do you need to do?
- Assess risks to staff: Carry out pre-emptive and dynamic risk assessments
- Consider the use of technology such as body worn cameras or wall mounted CCTV in identified hotspots.
- Ensure staff receive regular appropriate training to cope with challenging behaviour
- Contact your Local Security Management Specialist for guidance
Source: Violence to staff cited as top security challenge in healthcare | Axis Communications
Importance: For information
For further assistance and support, please contact:
Jonathan Gladwin, Security Advisory Director; or your nominated Anti-Crime Specialist.