Rising levels of violence and abuse towards staff have led University Hospitals Sussex to enhance safety measures and strengthen the support available to colleagues, patients and visitors.
Nearly 2,000 incidents of verbal and physical abuse from patients and visitors were reported in the past year, consistent with a rise across the NHS. In response, the Trust has developed a Violence Prevention and Reduction programme.
The key initiatives include implementing enhanced security measures, improving the accessibility of incident reporting, and strengthening the partnership with Sussex Police who have been extremely supportive of staff.
Dr Andy Heeps, Chief Executive Officer at the Trust said:
“Our colleagues dedicate their lives to caring for others, and it is unacceptable that anyone is subjected to violence, abuse or harassment. The safety and wellbeing of our people is fundamental to delivering excellent care, and any act of abuse or harassment has no place in our hospitals.”
Body-worn cameras and knife amnesty bins are some of the safety measures already proving effective in reducing risk.
Mark Rosser, Head of Security at University Hospitals Sussex, explains: “Body-worn cameras, introduced earlier this year in areas where violence is most common, are helping to de-escalate situations, reassure staff, and provide clear evidence when incidents occur. Knife amnesty bins have also been installed across Trust sites, with more than 40 dangerous items discreetly handed in since the start of the year. These offer a safe and discreet way for patients or visitors to surrender any items they should not be carrying before entering our hospitals, significantly reducing risk and helping our colleagues feel safer.”
Alongside the body-worn cameras and amnesty bins, the Trust is also making it easier for colleagues to report incidents quickly and confidently, helping ensure concerns are acted on and patterns of behaviour are identified early on.
A new formal warning process is also being rolled out, giving staff a recognised and robust framework that warns patients or visitors when behaviour becomes unacceptable and they can no longer attend the hospital, unless in emergencies.
Dr Salwa Malik, Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Clinical Lead for the Emergency Department at Princess Royal and Royal Sussex County hospitals, said:
“I’ve witnessed exceptional staff pushed to their limits by behaviour that should never be part of their working day. No one comes to work expecting to be threatened or harmed, and it’s heartbreaking to see the emotional weight it carries.”
“Our teams are doing the best they can to care for patients, and they deserve to feel safe, respected and supported. These initiatives are helping staff feel listened to, protected and more confident that action will be taken when incidents occur.”
Building a culture of safety where colleagues feel supported to speak up is at the heart of the Trust’s new strategy, Excellent Care Everywhere. Reflecting one of the Trust’s core values of being inclusive, particularly of those who may have experienced trauma in their life, the programme has been developed using a Sussex‑wide trauma‑informed framework.
Dr Andy Heeps, Chief Executive at the Trust continues:
“We are committed to tackling harmful behaviours, promoting psychological safety, and ensuring colleagues feel confident to report any form of violence or abuse.
“The steps we are taking from body‑worn cameras and knife amnesty bins to clearer reporting routes and a strengthened formal warning process are all designed to make it easier for colleagues to share concerns and feel safe and supported.”
“Being respectful, compassionate and inclusive underpins every interaction to support colleagues to feel safe, respected and able to deliver excellent care, everywhere to our patients.”
University Hospitals Sussex is sending a clear message to patients, visitors and staff: Everyone has the right to be treated with respect, and they will not accept violence, abuse, threats or harassment of any kind.
The Trust is asking patients, visitors, and the wider community to please act with kindness because together, we can make hospitals a safe place for everyone. For more information, visit: Our staff are here to care – University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
For staff
If you have experienced violence, abuse, threats or harassment of any kind, there are a number of ways you can report instances and receive the right support for you.
We encourage you to raise issues as soon as you feel able to. You will be listened to with compassion and provided with support to feel confident and safe to talk about what has happened.
How to report and find support