The Royal College of Nursing reports a sharp rise in violence towards A&E nurses, highlighting systemic issues like staff shortages and long waiting times that threaten the safety of frontline healthcare workers in NHS hospitals.
The Royal College of Nursing has highlighted a troubling near doubling of violence against Accident & Emergency (A&E) nurses over the last six years, reflecting an alarming trend within NHS hospitals. Incidents reported include nurses being punched, spat at, and forcibly pinned against walls. This surge in aggression is primarily attributed to patients’ frustration caused by extended waiting times for care, a symptom of deeper systemic challenges facing the NHS.
Data from 89 NHS hospital trusts across England reveals that in 2024 alone, there were 4,054 recorded cases of physical violence against A&E staff, averaging around 11 attacks per day. This figure marks a sharp rise from 2,122 recorded incidents in 2019, indicating that violence against nurses has grown at an unprecedented rate. The assaults vary widely in nature, encompassing not only physical violence but also verbal abuse and threats involving weapons, underscoring the severity of the problem.
Experts and nursing representatives point to chronic understaffing, prolonged patient wait times in emergency departments, and prevalent corridor care as key contributing factors behind this surge. These conditions intensify patient frustration and hostility, placing frontline workers at heightened risk. The persistent nursing shortages exacerbate the situation, placing additional pressure on existing staff and eroding morale.
Nurses have shared harrowing testimonies to news outlets describing the physical and emotional toll of these violent encounters, which often go beyond mere inconvenience to constitute serious threats to personal safety. The Royal College of Nursing calls for urgent and decisive action, including enhanced security measures, better support for staff, and systemic reforms to address underlying causes such as chronic understaffing and lengthy patient waits.
In a wider context, the increase in violence across NHS emergency departments reflects ongoing challenges within the public health system, necessitating a multifaceted response to safeguard healthcare workers and ensure the sustainability of frontline services. The call for firsthand accounts from NHS staff highlights the need for greater transparency and data collection to inform policy solutions aimed at reversing this disturbing trend.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1] (The Guardian), [2] (The Guardian)
- Paragraph 2 – [3] (GB News), [5] (Archyde), [6] (Upday)
- Paragraph 3 – [7] (Medscape), [4] (ITV News)
- Paragraph 4 – [1] (The Guardian), [4] (ITV News), [7] (Medscape)
- Paragraph 5 – [5] (Archyde), [7] (Medscape)
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent data from 2024, indicating a near doubling of violence against A&E nurses over six years. Similar reports from August 2025 highlight a significant rise in such incidents. ([itv.com](https://www.itv.com/news/2025-08-12/nurses-face-abhorrent-levels-of-violence-as-a-and-e-attacks-double-in-five-years?utm_source=openai)) The Guardian's article from October 22, 2025, seeks firsthand accounts from NHS staff, suggesting a focus on current experiences. However, the call for firsthand accounts may indicate a lack of new information, potentially affecting freshness. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No significant discrepancies in figures or dates were found. No evidence of recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was identified. The update may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from NHS staff describing violent incidents. These quotes appear to be original, with no identical matches found in earlier material. The absence of online matches suggests potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were noted.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a reputable organisation known for its journalistic standards. This enhances the credibility of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative aligns with recent reports on the rise of violence against NHS staff, particularly in A&E departments. The inclusion of firsthand accounts from NHS staff adds credibility. However, the call for firsthand accounts may indicate a lack of new information, potentially affecting plausibility. No supporting detail from other reputable outlets was identified. The tone and language are consistent with typical journalistic standards.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents recent data on the rise of violence against NHS staff, supported by firsthand accounts. While the source is reputable, the call for firsthand accounts may indicate a lack of new information, affecting freshness and plausibility. The absence of supporting detail from other reputable outlets and the lack of new information suggest a need for further verification.
