Staff at Coventry A&E are abused by patients ‘almost every shift’ suffering from being called racist names, being spat at, slapped or punched.
The horrifying reality facing frontline NHS staff has been brought to light in a powerful video released by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
The staff have shared powerful first-hand accounts of the abuse they have suffered as they make a plea to people: “Please don’t abuse us. We are here to help you.”
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One staff member explained patients get frustrated with long waiting times, saying ‘they take that frustration out on us.’
Speaking about the impact on them, one staff member said: “It’s heartbreaking. Patients need to realise we are also human beings – we are parents, daughters, wives mothers.”
Another said: “When you’re working in an area when there’s someone who is violent…it is quite nerve wracking.”
Up to 100 incidents of abuse towards staff are reported each month at UHCW, underlining the scale of the issue and the importance of taking action.
The campaign, which includes a short video, aims to raise awareness of the impact of abuse and reinforce the Trust’s zero-tolerance approach.
Donna Griffiths, Chief People Officer at UHCW, said: “No one should come to work and face abuse.
“We are clear that this behaviour is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. We are committed to supporting staff to report incidents so that action can be taken, and we ask everyone to treat our teams with respect and kindness.”
If you experience or witness abuse, please report it. Reporting abuse helps the hospital take action and protect staff.
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