Responding to this year’s NHS Staff Survey, BMA representative body chair Dr Amit Kochhar said:

“These findings paint a disturbing picture of staff being subjected to completely unacceptable levels of abuse, violence and discrimination in their workplaces. Shockingly one in 10 doctors said they had been physically attacked by patients or members of the public.

“Everyone should feel safe in hospitals – both patients and crucially those who are doing their absolute best to look after and treat them. We appreciate that long waits and lack of beds are frustrating for patients, as they are to staff, but this can never excuse violence or abuse.

“Trusts and NHS England must take a zero-tolerance approach to all kinds of abuse, and demonstrate they are taking action to tackle it.

“Other findings show a service under extreme pressure. Less than a third of doctors said there were enough staff for them to do their job properly, and more than 80% said they faced unrealistic time pressures – with three-quarters of doctors working additional unpaid hours. The impact on doctors’ wellbeing cannot be understated with four in 10 doctors saying they had been unwell with work-related stress and more than a third saying they found their work emotionally exhausting. Thirty per cent said they were burnt out.

“This is not fair on individuals, not safe for patients and not sustainable for the health service, as more staff are ultimately driven away. Leaders must tackle the root causes of these pressures – understaffing, lack of beds and space, and poor terms and conditions – to ensure doctors and their colleagues are able to provide safe, quality care to patients, while protecting their own health and wellbeing.”

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.