The BMA is urging NHS England and hospital trusts to take a ‘zero-tolerance approach’ to abuse after the annual NHS Staff Survey showed it is at ‘unacceptable levels’.
One in 10 doctors said they had been physically attacked by patients or members of the public.
BMA representative body chair 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.
‘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.’
KOCHHAR: 'Leaders must tackle the root causes of these pressures'
Other findings in the survey showed ‘a service under extreme pressure’, said Dr Kochhar.
He pointed out how less than a third of doctors said there were enough staff for them to do their jobs properly and more than 80 per cent said they faced unrealistic time pressures – with three-quarters of doctors working additional unpaid hours.
Four-in-10 doctors said they had been unwell with work-related stress and more than a third said they found their work emotionally exhausting. 30 per cent said they were burnt out.
‘The impact on doctors’ wellbeing cannot be understated,’ said Dr Kochhar. ‘This is not fair on individuals, not safe for patients and not sustainable for the health service, as more staff are ultimately driven away.’
Dr Kochhar urged NHS England to tackle understaffing, a lack of beds and space and poor terms and conditions for staff.
He said: ‘Leaders must tackle the root causes of these pressures to ensure doctors and their colleagues are able to provide safe, quality care to patients, while protecting their own health and wellbeing.’