Audit throws spotlight on violence

News | HSP
13.02.2008

More than half of nurses on mental health wards report being physically assaulted at work, a study has revealed.

The findings, published today in the second national audit of violence in mental health services conducted on behalf of the Healthcare Commission by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, found that nurses working with older people are the most likely to be assaulted.

Sixty-four per cent of nurses in wards for older people said they had been physically assaulted, compared to 46% of nurses on wards for adults of working age. Some described serious injuries such as fractures, dislocations and black eyes.

The study of 69 NHS trusts and private hospitals in England and Wales said patients had also been attacked and more had to be done to stop violence.

Health bosses said the situation was taken "very seriously".