As reported in the Guardian shocking new statistics reveal a 91% increase in violence against Emergency Department (ED) nurses have reinforced the urgent need for risk-based, intelligent, preventative security strategies in NHS facilities, according to Assist Security Group (ASG), which provides specialist protection across 10 hospitals spanning 5 NHS trusts.
Data obtained by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) through freedom of information requests shows violent incidents against A&E nurses rose from 2,122 in 2019 to 4,054 in 2024, with healthcare workers reporting physical assaults, being forcibly restrained against walls, facing weapons including firearms, and receiving chemical attack threats.
“These devastating statistics confirm what we’re witnessing daily in emergency departments and mental health wards where we operate,” says Paul Grzegorzek, NHS Account Director at ASG. “Our experience in dealing with specific security issues in healthcare settings enables ASG to create systems and processes to anticipate potential risks and implement preventative measures. This risk-based security strategy analyses the data and deploys resources where threats are highest, which can transform safety without breaking already-stretched budgets.”
The correlation between extended waiting times and violence is particularly concerning. RCN research reveals instances of patients waiting beyond 12 hours in emergency departments multiplied twenty times between 2019 and 2024, with healthcare professionals reporting that typically calm patients are becoming aggressive due to excessive waiting periods.
ASG’s data-driven methodology directly addresses these challenges by analysing incident patterns to identify vulnerabilities before they escalate. The company’s comprehensive solution combines specialist five-day healthcare training programmes with advanced technology including body cameras and real-time incident reporting platforms—tools proven to de-escalate situations before they become violent.
Rachelle McCarthy, a charge nurse in the East Midlands, recounted being struck directly in her face by an intoxicated patient, whilst Sarah Tappy, a senior sister in East London, was knocked unconscious by a waiting room assault. “The relentless violence affects all healthcare workers, creating an environment where nobody experiences safety,” Tappy reported.
Individual hospitals have recorded dramatic increases, with Bristol’s Southmead hospital experiencing a rise from 83 to 152 attacks, Manchester Royal Infirmary seeing numbers climb from 39 to 79, and Kent’s Maidstone hospital recording an increase from 13 to 89 incidents.
Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN general secretary, described the statistics as revealing a disturbing reality, emphasising that nursing personnel are experiencing increased violent assaults due to fundamental system breakdowns beyond their control.
Risk-Led Security
ASG’s approach recognises that sustainable security solutions require investment in officer welfare. The company provides Real and London Living Wage payments, 24-hour GP and mental health support, and partnerships with PTSD Resolution for trauma counselling—understanding that well-supported security staff deliver more consistent, professional service in high-stress healthcare environments.
“The risk-led model proves that effective NHS security requires strategic investment in evidence-based solutions, not merely increased spending,” Paul Grzegorzek explains. “Our expanding NHS partnerships demonstrate that professional, risk-based security can protect staff whilst optimising constrained budgets.”
Daniel Elkeles, NHS Providers chief executive, expressed complete shock at the revelations, stressing that healthcare workers require secure working conditions across all settings. The nursing union has called for urgent governmental intervention, including addressing extended waiting times and resolving nursing staff deficiencies.
Rebecca Smith from the NHS Confederation characterised the near-doubling of assaults as profoundly concerning, noting impacts on staff wellbeing, retention rates, and patient experiences.
March’s NHS workforce survey revealed 14.4% of employees experienced physical violence within the preceding twelve months, underscoring the substantial costs of workplace violence that evidence-based resource allocation can help address.
Duncan Burton, England’s chief nursing officer, condemned violence against healthcare workers as completely unacceptable, whilst Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed disgust at the findings, warning that perpetrators would face legal consequences.
ASG’s continuous learning modules ensure security teams remain current with evolving healthcare challenges, whilst their risk-based deployment strategy ensures resources are concentrated where data indicates the highest threat levels—transforming reactive security into preventative protection.
As NHS trusts grapple with budget constraints whilst facing escalating violence, ASG’s model offers a practical pathway to enhanced safety through intelligent resource allocation rather than simply adding more security personnel.
For further information about ASG’s healthcare security solutions, visit https://assistsecurity.co.uk/ or contact sales@assistsecurity.co.uk
Source – https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/12/ae-nurses-attacks-rise
