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Attacks against nursing staff in London up 252% in the last five years
RCN figures have revealed a sharp increase in members working in London reporting violence and aggression at work.
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The statistics based on data from 2020 – 2025 reveal reports of incidents from RCN members have increased by 252%. With nursing staff reporting 40 incidents of violence and abuse in the first quarter of 2026.
Reports of racist abuse are also increasing, mirroring wider societal trends, with Black and internationally educated nursing staff facing the highest level of abuse. The statistics were reported in an ITV News London story which featured the voices of three nursing staff who work across the capital. Sarah, Joseph and David spoke out about their experiences of violence and aggression at work.
Unacceptable rising levels of abuse in London
Nursing staff across London have reported being punched, kicked, spat at, strangled, and verbally and racially abused. The problem is no longer confined to overstretched A&E departments, but also on inpatient wards and in community healthcare settings including GP practices.
London continues to see the highest number of incidents being reported compared to elsewhere in the country. Nationally, the RCN uncovered that there were 4,054 incidences of physical violence against staff recorded in 2024, compared to 2,093 in 2019 – almost double.
Incidents have become so common that many nursing staff now go to work and expect to face the threat of violence and see this as part of the job. This coupled with a low level of confidence in existing reporting systems means that reported figures are masking the true scale of this crisis.
Impact of rising racism on nursing staff
Nursing staff from the non-white ethnic backgrounds are experiencing the highest rates of violence and aggression at work. RCN data shows that nursing staff from Black British, Black African and Black Caribbean groups are disproportionally impacted, accounting for 60% of reports from these groups in the first quarter of 2026. This is up from 44% in 2025.
In May, the RCN uncovered more than 21,000 incidents of racist abuse reported by nursing staff across the UK over the last four years – a surge of 78% over that time. The RCN has warned that this is likely the ‘tip of the iceberg’ due to underreporting by NHS Trusts and Health Boards and nursing staff themselves.
Action needed to get a grip on this crisis
No member of the nursing community should go to work and expect or face violence and aggression from patients. We are clear that immediate action is needed to get a grip on this crisis. This must include better reporting systems so staff can see action is being taken. Without this, trust in the process will further deteriorate.
Appropriate measures must be introduced to increase the safety of staff for example body cameras where necessary. For those who commit assaults, there should be tough consequences by employers for example only essential care being provided and prosecution considered where appropriate.
There is also a call to political leaders to dial down the anti-migrant rhetoric which is partly fuelling this violence epidemic. Comments made by politicians have emboldened some of the behaviour RCN members in London are now experiencing.
Sarah, an A&E nurse shared her experience of being physically assaulted at work in January 2021 which left her being knocked unconscious. Sarah said, “The violence we are seeing is now constant. Nursing staff have come to expect to be at the receiving end of this on every shift. This isn’t part of the job and shouldn’t be accepted.
“Far too many nursing staff are being left feeling scared and unsupported all while trying to do the best for our patients. There needs to be a robust approach to tackle violence and aggression, with zero tolerance meaning zero tolerance.”
David, a mental health nurse shared his experience of being attacked by a patient while carrying out daily routine checks. He said, “Nursing staff shouldn’t have to fear going into work. We should have the confidence that if we are subject to violence at work there will be consequences for the people who carry this out."
Lisa Elliott, RCN London Director, said “Everyday nursing staff across the capital go to work to care for their patients and keep the capital safe and healthy – yet they are not being kept safe. This rising tide of violence and aggression is being particularly felt by our Black and internationally educated members. More must be done by NHS Trusts, the police and politicians in London to address this abhorrent behaviour.
"Without an immediate step change, we risk losing more nursing staff due to ill-health, with patients ultimately paying the cost.”
We are here to support you
If you have experienced violence, aggression or abuse at work, support is available. Members can access a range of resources, including:
- Our advice guide
- Information on how to raise concerns
- Access to counselling and other support through your membership
Help make your workplace safer
There has never been a more important time to have Health & Safety reps in every workplace. If you’re passionate about the health and wellbeing of the nursing workforce, this role is for you. Find out more about the role, and come along to one of our sessions learn about the difference you could make.
