NHS violence shows no reduction

The NHS's attempts to clamp down on violence against workers has made little difference, according the Healthcare Commission.

Almost a third (31%) of respondents to the annual NHS staff survey said they had suffered from violence and abuse from patients - roughly the same as in the past four years.

"Despite well-meaning initiatives, this survey confirms that a much more robust deterrent is needed to crack down completely on abuse and attacks on health staff," said Karen Jennings from UNISON public services union.

The survey also revealed an increase in discrimination cases and a slight fall in job satisfaction across NHS trusts. While work-related injuries, illness and stress have dropped slightly, a third of ambulance workers still experience work-related injuries or illness.