**Sharp Rise in Reports of Verbal Abuse Towards Nursing Staff in Swansea Bay Health Board**
A significant increase in verbal abuse and harassment directed towards nursing staff by patients, their relatives, and even colleagues has been revealed by a new survey at the Swansea Bay University Health Board. The findings have ignited concern among health officials and prompted discussions around workplace safety and culture in the NHS in Wales.
According to the latest staff survey, a quarter of respondents working for the health board, which serves Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, reported experiencing some form of abuse, harassment or bullying at the hands of patients, their family members or the general public in the past year. This 25% figure marks an increase of nearly 10% compared with the previous year’s results.
Alarmingly, incidents of poor conduct were not limited to interactions with the public. The survey also found that 24% of employees faced similar mistreatment from colleagues—up nearly five percentage points from last year—while abuse or harassment from line managers rose by almost 3% to 19%. These figures raise questions about the internal workplace environment and the pressures facing staff at multiple levels.
The annual survey, which is conducted across all Health Boards in Wales, as well as Public Health Wales and the Welsh Ambulance Service, is meant to take a temperature check of staff wellbeing and workplace culture. Employees are encouraged to share their experiences honestly, but this year saw a notable drop in participation among Swansea Bay Health Board staff. Only 13% of the region’s 15,601 workers responded, which is not only a decrease of 6% from last year, but also significantly below the average response rate across Wales of nearly 22%.
Feedback gathered alongside the survey suggests that staff may be discouraged from participating due to doubts about the survey’s confidentiality and scepticism that their input will lead to actual change. This lack of confidence in the feedback process poses a challenge for management to improve morale and encourage open communication.
Despite these serious concerns, there were some positives to be taken from the survey. Many participants highlighted the strong sense of teamwork, job fulfilment and the willingness of colleagues to go the extra mile for the well-being of patients. These factors are crucial in a healthcare environment that continues to face immense pressures, including high patient demand and resource limitations.
Tina Ricketts, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, acknowledged the low response rate with disappointment but emphasised the health board’s commitment to act on the insights provided. She said these results, along with other workforce data, have prompted a focus on three main areas for improvement: leadership and management, ensuring staff can raise concerns safely, and promoting shared values and acceptable behaviours across the organisation.
Board members are taking these issues seriously. Independent member Nuria Zolle described the high rates of reported abuse, harassment and bullying as “really worrying” and welcomed efforts to strengthen leadership. Reena Owen, another independent board member, echoed the need for visible changes in response to issues raised, stressing that staff should see tangible benefits arising from their feedback.
On the front lines, the pressures are palpable. Charlotte Gallivan, a senior sister in Morriston Hospital’s emergency department, reported earlier this year that verbal abuse from frustrated patients and relatives continues to climb, adding further strain to already stretched teams.
A report presented to the board underlined that a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and abuse remains in place. However, with staff reporting higher levels of mistreatment both from the public and internally, there is a clear call for renewed action and reassurance that the health and wellbeing of healthcare workers remain a priority.
Despite the troubling rise in hostile behaviours, over half of Swansea Bay staff stated they would recommend the health board as a place to work, and nearly two-thirds remain enthusiastic about their roles—figures in line with the national average. Maintaining this resilience and positivity among workers will be crucial as the health board tackles the challenges highlighted by this year’s survey.