Hospital campaign tackles abuse of NHS staff head on

The Great Western Hospital in Swindon has relaunched its seminal anti-abuse campaign.

Never OK reinforces the clear message that abuse against NHS staff will never be tolerated.

In 2024/25, there were 383 reported incidents of abuse against GWH staff, including physical, verbal, and racial abuse, as well as sexual harassment.

However, it is thought the actual number may be much higher, with many staff choosing not to report such incidents.

The Never OK campaign was first launched in 2016, and is a vital part of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to staff safety and wellbeing.

This year’s relaunch brings a refreshed look, which puts real staff at the centre of the campaign.

Through videos, posters, and digital displays, GWH has shared personal stories of its colleagues to highlight the lasting impact abuse can have.

A new video – I Was Just Trying to Help You – features brave and honest reflections from staff who have experienced abuse at work.

The campaign comes follows the results of the 2024 NHS Staff Survey, which found that more than 24 per cent of staff had experienced bullying, harassment or abuse from patients or the public in the past year, with 12 per cent reporting at least one incident of physical abuse.