Respect for NHS Staff: Why Tackling Abuse Matters

Every day, NHS staff across Berkshire provide compassionate care to thousands of people and their families. Whether supporting someone through an emergency, delivering routine treatment, or offering reassurance during difficult moments, healthcare workers are there when people need them most.

While most patients, carers and visitors treat staff with kindness and respect, incidents of violence, aggression and abuse continue to occur. These incidents can have a significant impact on staff wellbeing and can affect the care environment for everyone.

The reality facing NHS staff

During 2025/26, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust recorded 1,576 incidents of violence, aggression and abuse towards staff by patients, carers and members of the public. This included:

• 642 physical assaults

• 934 incidents of non-physical abuse, including verbal abuse, threats, spitting, discrimination and online abuse

Behind every statistic is a member of staff who came to work to help others. No one should face violence or abuse while carrying out their role.

What is Operation Cavell?

To help address this issue, Berkshire Healthcare is working in partnership with Thames Valley Police as part of Operation Cavell.

Operation Cavell is a national initiative that brings together NHS organisations and police forces to strengthen responses to violence, aggression and abuse against healthcare staff. The programme aims to ensure incidents are reported appropriately, staff receive the support they need, and those responsible are held accountable where necessary.

Why reporting incidents is important

There is sometimes a perception that abuse and aggression are simply part of working in healthcare. They are not.

Violence and abuse are never part of the job.

Reporting incidents helps organisations:

• Support staff who have experienced abuse or aggression

• Protect other patients, visitors and colleagues

• Identify patterns and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents happening again

• Ensure people receive the right care and support when underlying needs contribute to incidents

Importantly, every incident is considered individually, taking account of the circumstances involved.

Balancing compassion with safety

Healthwatch recognises that people accessing healthcare services may be frightened, distressed, anxious or unwell. These factors can sometimes influence behaviour, and healthcare staff are trained to provide compassionate, person-centred care in challenging situations.

However, understanding someone's circumstances does not mean accepting violence or abuse. Everyone deserves to feel safe, whether they are receiving care, visiting a loved one or working within the NHS.

Creating a culture of kindness and respect

A safe healthcare environment benefits everyone. When staff feel supported and protected, they can focus on delivering the high-quality care that patients deserve.

By treating healthcare workers, fellow patients and visitors with kindness and respect, we can all play a part in creating positive experiences across local health services.

Healthcare staff are there to help us when we are at our most vulnerable. They deserve the same courtesy, dignity and respect in return.