Everyone deserves respect
We are committed to providing safe, compassionate care for our patients and communities. We are equally committed to ensuring that our staff can work in an environment where they feel safe, respected and supported.
Why this matters
Abusive behaviour can have a serious and lasting impact on the wellbeing of our colleagues. Everyone has the right to feel safe at work and to be treated with dignity and respect. When colleagues feel safe and supported, they can focus on providing the highest quality care for patients and service users.
Even when there is no physical assault, verbal aggression can have a real impact on wellbeing. Many NHS colleagues describe:
- Feeling drained or on edge after certain patients or visits.
- Dreading particular interactions.
- Losing confidence in their role.
- Difficulty switching off after work.
- Feeling anxious, upset, or demoralised.
- Changes in sleep, mood, or concentration.
Quotes from colleagues who have experienced violence and aggression
”If I have this patient in my list, I feel stressed, as I don’t know what will happened during my next visit.
”It’s becoming very difficult to deal with his constant negativity towards the team. It is frustrating and upsetting and makes me feel anxious when he cancels visits.
”When I see the patient’s name in my diary it makes me feel anxious about coming into work and what abuse I will face.
”I often have a problems sleeping the night before I am due to visit him.
Our commitment
We are reinforcing a clear message that violence and aggression will not be tolerated. The campaign supports a culture of respect and helps ensure that staff are supported when incidents occur.
National NHS guidance recognises that persistent verbal abuse can cause:
- Stress and emotional exhaustion.
- Psychological injury.
- Anxiety and avoidance behaviours.
- Burnout.
This is why we take it seriously and do not expected our colleagues to accept abuse.
What we ask of patients and visitors
We ask everyone using our services to:
- Treat colleagues and other service users with courtesy and respect.
- Communicate concerns calmly and appropriately.
- Follow instructions designed to keep everyone safe.
- Be patient and understanding during busy periods.
- Report concerns through the appropriate channels.
Support for your health and wellbeing
We understand that people may sometimes access our services when they are anxious, distressed, frustrated, in pain, or experiencing poor mental health.
If you are finding things difficult and would benefit from emotional wellbeing or mental health support, help is available through local and national services. Please speak to your GP for support, or see the Healthier Together list of Mental health support services.
Concerns about your care
If you have concerns about your care, please contact our Experience and Complaints Team using 0300 124 5400 or sirona.experienceandcomplaints@nhs.net. They can help adress your concerns and help you get the right care.
Please treat this team with repect as you would with any other team.
If abuse occurs
We take incidents of violence, aggression and abuse seriously. Appropriate action may be taken where behaviour places staff, patients or visitors at risk. This includes changing or removing care.
