A&E Violence: Doctors Warn MPs Over Unsafe Conditions

Emergency doctors have told Members of Parliament that increasingly unsafe conditions in A&E departments, particularly the widespread practice of “corridor care,” are directly contributing to a surge in violence against National Health Service staff. The warning comes as new data reveals a near doubling of reported incidents over the past five years, leaving many nurses and doctors feeling unsafe at operate.

The Escalating Crisis in Emergency Care

The situation in English A&E departments is increasingly described as a “tinderbox” by those working within them. Staff are reporting a disturbing rise in physical and verbal assaults, including being punched, spat at, and even threatened with weapons like guns and acid. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) investigation, released in August 2025, found that incidents of physical violence against emergency department staff almost doubled between 2019 and 2024, rising from 2,093 to 4,054. This translates to roughly one attack occurring every hour on a typical working day.

The RCN’s analysis of NHS data also highlights a significant increase in lengthy A&E waits. Waits exceeding 12 hours rose more than twentyfold between 2019 and 2024, exacerbating the pressures on both staff and patients. This prolonged exposure in crowded, often chaotic environments appears to be a key driver of the escalating violence.

Corridor Care: A System Under Strain

“Corridor care” – the practice of treating patients in hallways due to a lack of available beds – has become increasingly common as hospitals struggle to cope with demand. This practice isn’t just detrimental to patient care; it also creates a volatile environment where tensions can easily escalate. The lack of privacy, limited space, and prolonged waiting times contribute to frustration and, in some cases, aggression from patients and their families. One senior A&E nurse in east London described her hospital as a “tinder box,” recounting instances of colleagues being attacked and even threatened with acid.

Beyond the Numbers: The Human Cost

The impact of this violence extends far beyond physical injuries. Many healthcare workers are experiencing significant psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. The nurse in east London, for example, developed these conditions and has since taken a secondment in research to distance herself from the front lines of emergency care. The RCN warns that if decisive action isn’t taken to address the root causes of this violence, the government’s plans to improve the NHS in England will be jeopardized.

What the Data Reveals: Regional Variations

The rise in violence isn’t uniform across the country. Specific hospitals have experienced particularly dramatic increases. Southmead Hospital in Bristol saw incidents almost double between 2019 and 2024 (from 83 to 152 attacks). Manchester Royal Infirmary reported a rise from 39 to 79 incidents over the same period. Perhaps the most striking increase was at Maidstone Hospital in Kent, where incidents surged by over 500%, from 13 in 2019 to 89 in 2024. These regional variations suggest that local factors, such as staffing levels, hospital layout, and patient demographics, may play a role in the prevalence of violence.

Underlying Factors and Systemic Issues

While the immediate trigger for violence may vary, several underlying factors contribute to the problem. Chronic understaffing is a major concern, leaving existing staff stretched thin and unable to provide adequate care and security. Long waiting times and the lack of available beds exacerbate the situation, creating a breeding ground for frustration and anger. The RCN emphasizes that addressing these systemic issues is crucial to reducing violence and protecting healthcare workers.

Understanding the Limitations of the Data

It’s important to note that the data on violence against NHS staff relies on reported incidents. In other words that the actual number of attacks may be higher, as some incidents may go unreported due to fear of reprisal, lack of time, or a belief that reporting won’t produce a difference. The data doesn’t capture the full spectrum of violence, focusing primarily on physical assaults. Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation, while less visible, can also have a significant impact on staff well-being.

What Comes Next: Addressing the Crisis

The RCN is calling for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the rising violence against NHS staff. This includes reducing A&E waiting times, ending the practice of corridor care, and addressing chronic understaffing. The union is also advocating for improved security measures in A&E departments and better training for staff on how to de-escalate potentially violent situations. The government has yet to announce specific plans to address these concerns, but the RCN is urging ministers to take swift and decisive action. Further analysis of NHS data is planned, alongside a review of security protocols in high-risk A&E departments. The RCN is also exploring the possibility of legal protections for healthcare workers who are victims of violence.

The situation demands urgent attention. Protecting those who dedicate their lives to caring for others is not only a moral imperative but also essential to the long-term sustainability of the NHS.