GWH: abuse against nurses in children's unit 'unacceptable'
Swindon's Great Western Hospital have been describing the abuse and violence by patients against the nurses in their children's ward
Last updated 5th Aug 2025
Swindon's Great Western Hospital have been describing the abuse and violence against their nurses in the children's ward as 'unacceptable'.
It follows reports in recent weeks of young patients who are suffering with problems with their violent behaviour and 'complex medical and mental health needs' injuring NHS staff, and verbally abusing other patients.
They are encouraging everyone to report all incidents to the police under their 'Never OK' campaign, and it comes amid a number of healthcare workers currently on sick leave because of it.
In a statement, a spokesperson from the Trust said: “Our children's ward is often the only place available locally for vulnerable children and young people up to the age of 18 with complex medical and mental health needs.
“We have individual rooms providing privacy and division between age groups, alongside two dedicated rooms for patients experiencing a mental health crisis.
“Many of the children and young people we care for need specialised care and we are planning to recruit specialist mental health nurses so that we have the expertise to better support children and young people with severe mental health needs.
“It’s unacceptable that NHS staff face violence and abuse and we do all we can to keep our staff, patients and visitors safe.
“This is a national issue, however these incidents can be extremely distressing, and we offer a package of mental health support to our staff, which includes de-briefing sessions and counselling services.
“Our Never OK campaign, in partnership with Wiltshire Police, encourages staff to report all incidents and the police regularly visit the hospital and support our own security team.”