RCEM survey highlights violence and aggression towards A&E staff
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has published survey findings on violence and aggression towards staff working in UK emergency departments.
The survey, carried out between 27 April and 31 May 2026, included responses from 2,126 emergency department staff.
RCEM said 96% of staff surveyed had experienced violence or aggression from patients or members of the public. Almost three quarters said they experienced or witnessed this daily or weekly.
The survey also found that 63% of incidents were described as discriminatory in nature.
Fewer than 1 in 20 staff surveyed said they always felt safe working in emergency departments. Just over a quarter said they sometimes felt safe.
RCEM said violence and aggression were affecting staff wellbeing and retention. Three quarters of staff said incidents affected stress and anxiety in the short term, while 40% reported burnout and 14% had taken time off work.
Many respondents linked the problem to wider pressures in emergency departments. Long waiting times, overcrowding, staff shortages and corridor care were all cited as factors that can make the environment more difficult.
RCEM has launched its Safe to Care campaign, calling for action from the four UK governments and NHS leaders to improve safety in emergency departments.
The broader relevance
Emergency departments are high-pressure settings for patients, families and staff.
People may arrive frightened, unwell, in pain, distressed, intoxicated, confused or frustrated by long waits. None of that makes violence, aggression or abuse acceptable.
When emergency departments are crowded, overstretched or difficult to manage, the environment can become harder for everyone in it.
Staff safety is part of patient safety. A&E staff need to be able to assess, treat, communicate and make decisions without fear of being attacked, intimidated or abused while doing their work.
The survey covers UK emergency departments.