Police urge Oxfordshire hospital staff to report violence and abuse
A joint operation is hoping to tackle incidents and support workers who have experienced abuse
Thames Valley Police is urging NHS staff in Oxfordshire to report instances of violence and abuse, saying too many cases are not reaching them.
The force has launched a partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through Operation Cavell, which means cracking down on these incidents while supporting workers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Kirby shared national figures from the 2024 NHS staff survey which showed that 14.4% of respondents had experienced physical violence in the previous year, while 25% had experienced harassment, bullying or abuse.
However, he says those figures are not reflected in the number of cases being received by Thames Valley Police.
"For us, it indicates a real underreporting of those offences," DCS Kirby said.
He says that staff can sometimes misunderstand what they should report, what they are expected to tolerate and whether they will be supported if they come forward.
The force says that needs to change.
Where incidents are reported, DCS Kirby say they will respond quickly and carry out thorough investigations, with staff receiving help through the process.
He says there is currently a misconception among some workers that confidentiality rules prevent them from engaging with a police investigation, but "that's simply not the case."
Police say they will work with the NHS trust to obtain evidence such as CCTV and body-worn video, while ensuring staff are able to provide witness statements where needed.
DCS Kirby says the aim is not only to investigate offences after they happen, but also to work with the NHS to prevent incidents from happening in the first place.
Neighbourhood and community policing teams will work with hospital staff to identify problems and intervene earlier.
He says anyone visiting an Oxfordshire hospital should remember that NHS workers are there to help them and "are not there to tolerate your abuse and certainly not any violence."
Operation Cavell is being rolled out across the Thames Valley and is intended to be an ongoing commitment rather than a short-term campaign.
Patients and visitors may see more police activity around hospitals, including an increased presence in emergency departments at key times, alongside work with hospital security teams.