Increase in violence and harassment of staff at our hospitals

CASES of violence and harassment against hospital staff in Nottingham are still on the rise despite efforts to curb the behaviour.

- By JOEL MOORE

Eight patients have been banned from all but emergency treatment across Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH), which runs the Queen's Medical Centre and City Hospital, while a further 16 have been given a final warning.

Over the last year, 2,537 instances of aggression, violence and harassment (AVH) have been recorded by the trust, an increase of 169 from the year before, figures in its 2024/25 Health and Safety Report show.

The figure had already shot up from the year before, growing from 1,806 to 2,368.

Gilbert George, director of corporate governance at NUH, acknowledged the rise in incidents but said many staff had more confidence to report them.

“This has contributed to the increase in AVH incidents being reported, as staff are aware that when they report incidents that they will be listened to, and action will be taken,” he said.