NHSE accused of cutting action to protect staff from violence

A union has accused NHS England of trying to save money at the expense of reducing violence against healthcare staff, as several national initiatives face the axe.

Despite growing concern about abuse and violence against staff, HSJ understands:

• An NHSE-funded pilot scheme to reduce violence against ambulance staff – who are at much higher risk of violence than others – is coming to an end, with no sign of ongoing help;
• Six other NHSE-funded violence reduction pilot schemes have come to an end or are ending, with the responsibility passing to integrated care boards and providers, and no confirmed future funding; and
• The NHSE team responsible for violence prevention and reduction has been reduced to just two people.

Speaking about the concerns, Unison deputy head of health Alan Lofthouse said: “Cost-saving measures at NHSE have put more responsibility for violence prevention and reduction on providers and ICBs.

“But Unison is concerned that resources are just as tight at local and regional levels, and national leadership is really needed.”

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Source: HSJ, 20 November 2024