The ‘Never OK’ campaign has started again to reinforce the message that “abuse against NHS staff will never be tolerated”.
According to GWH: “In 2024/25, there were 383 reported incidents of abuse against staff, including physical, verbal, and racial abuse, as well as sexual harassment.
“Sadly, we know there are many more incidents that go unreported.”
“The campaign initially launched in 2016 and has now returned in 2025 through videos, posters, and digital displays. We’re sharing their personal stories to highlight the lasting impact abuse can have.
‘Never OK’ has been relaunched after the hospital’s 2024 staff survey.
The survey found that just over 24% of staff had experienced bullying, harassment or abuse from patients or the public in the past year, with 12% reporting at least one incident of physical abuse.
A video was posted by GWH, where some members of staff bravely highlighted the abuse that they themselves have suffered.
(Image: Wiltshire Police)
Cara, lead clinical practice educator for the emergency department, revealed she was left scared to come back to work after a patient grabbed her and left her with bruises after she was performing observations.
Switchboard operator Nerys was verbally abused when trying to help someone with their parking ticket issue.
One of the doctors, Tom, was trying to help someone’s husband when he was spat at.
Jenny, who works in the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), was trying to listen to someone’s concerns when their behaviour became aggresssive and misogynistic.
Willow, a healthcare support worker, was strangled by a patient after trying to take them outside for some fresh air.
‘SC’ who has chosen not to use her full name or show her face, said she was left frightened when someone shouted at her and became aggressive.
Charlie, a team leader for site services, was trying to help someone get through to their loved one on the phone when they became abusive, called him a swearword and blamed the death of their family members on him if they couldn’t get through.
Katherine was trying to help give someone personal care in her role as healthcare assistant when she was punched in the face and left with bruising under her eye.
These are just a handful of the hundreds of abusive and violent incidents staff at the GWH have endured.
A spokesperson for the hospital continued: “To support the relaunch, trainee officers from Wiltshire Police were on site on Thursday and Friday, June 19 and 20, visiting wards and departments to speak with staff and hand out campaign materials.
“We are grateful for their continued partnership in helping to keep our hospital a safe and respectful place for everyone.
“Patients and visitors are reminded that any abuse towards staff may be reported to and investigated by the police.
“We stand with every member of staff. Abuse is never part of the job. It is never acceptable. It is Never OK.”
Wiltshire Police have also spoken out about supporting the campaign, saying that they “understand the challenges” staff face when dealing with abuse from patients and/or their relatives.
PC Becky Berni said: “NHS staff work tirelessly to care and support members of the community, it is NEVER OK to subject them to abuse, violence or aggression.
“Wiltshire Police stand by our NHS colleagues. Abuse is never part of the job. It is never acceptable. It is Never OK.”
(Image: Newsquest) In March, the NHS reported that 1 in 7 NHS staff (14.38%) experienced physical violence from patients, their relatives or other members of the public in 2024.
Staff experiencing discrimination at work reached its highest level in 5 years (9.25%), with more than half (54.09%) saying the discrimination they received from patients and the public was based on their ethnic background.
1 in 12 (8.82%) NHS workers experienced unwanted sexual behaviour – including offensive comments, touching and assault.
The proportion of staff affected remains similar to the level reported in 2023 (8.79%) when the question was first asked.