Trust launches new campaign to help tackle violence and aggression against staff

Visitors and patients at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust are being reminded that there is no excuse for abuse with the launch of a new campaign ‘Stop! No Excuse for Abuse’ featuring personal messages from staff.

The Trust has launched the campaign to improve the safety and well-being of staff, as well as ensuring patients feel safe too. It aims to raise awareness and reinforce a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse, including physical, verbal, racial, and disruptive behaviour.

In August 2024, the Trust recorded 78 incidents of abuse directed at staff, the highest monthly total in the past two years. Each incident significantly impacts staff morale and their ability to deliver quality care to patients.

Steve McManus, Chief Executive Officer said, "Our staff work incredibly hard to provide compassionate, high-quality care every day and the rise in abusive incidents is unacceptable. Over 7,000 people work here at the Trust and they all deserve to be treated with respect and to be able to do their job without fear. We are committed to providing a safe environment where both staff and patients feel respected and secure."

The ‘Stop! No Excuse for Abuse’ campaign will feature on posters throughout the Trust sites as a reminder to everyone that abusive behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated and encourage everyone to be respectful.