Independent survey finds 4 in 10 have witnessed abuse on a daily basis against healthcare workers while more than half say they lack the training to deal with risks
An independent survey conducted by Axis Communications, in collaboration with IFSEC Insider, has revealed that 72% of security professionals in the healthcare sector view violence against staff as their primary security challenge. The study underscores the alarming frequency of abuse directed at healthcare workers, with 40% of respondents witnessing verbal or physical aggression on a daily basis, and nearly a quarter reporting weekly incidents.
The survey examined both physical and cybersecurity concerns in healthcare, with staff training deficiencies ranking as the second most significant issue at 54%, followed by budget constraints limiting security upgrades at 44%.
Ian Littell, Global Key Account Manager at Axis Communications, highlighted the urgency of addressing workplace violence in healthcare settings. “The most recent NHS Staff Survey by NHS England found that a quarter of NHS employees experienced at least one violent incident in the past year. Our research suggests the situation is worsening. To take meaningful action, we need an accurate understanding of the scale and nature of these challenges.”
Tackling Violence and Abuse in Healthcare
Rising levels of aggression towards ambulance workers have already prompted NHS England to introduce initiatives such as a three-year body-worn camera trial across ambulance trusts and the launch of a Violence Prevention and Reduction Hub. Funded until March 2025, the hub aims to enhance staff safety through data-sharing, education, and cross-sector collaboration.
In line with these efforts, the Axis study explored the most effective technologies to combat violence in healthcare environments. Body-worn cameras emerged as the preferred solution for 60% of respondents, followed by the unification of security systems into a centralised management platform (46%) and the deployment of AI-powered video surveillance (38%). Despite the growing cyber threat landscape, only 26% of respondents identified cyberattacks as a major concern.
Littell emphasised the need for a strategic, integrated approach to security investment. “While body-worn cameras act as a strong deterrent, they are not a standalone solution. To address the root causes of violence, healthcare providers must adopt a unified security model. Rather than a fragmented ‘rip-and-replace’ approach, organisations should prioritise solutions that integrate seamlessly over time to enhance operational efficiency.”
Axis offers a comprehensive security ecosystem that combines video surveillance, IP audio, body-worn cameras, and access control. In a healthcare setting, advanced analytics—such as people counting and aggression detection—can help prevent incidents by monitoring crowd build-ups and triggering pre-emptive audio alerts. These capabilities align with the objectives of the NHS Violence Prevention and Reduction Hub by strengthening data-driven decision-making, fostering collaboration, and enhancing staff training.
