The Guardian news outlet recently reported that the latest NHS figures show a rise in violence against nurses to 4,054 incidents last year, citing long waits for care often being a factor (according to the Royal College of Nursing, the number of patients waiting more than 12 hours in A&E has risen 20-fold between 2019 – 2024).
Attacks almost doubled in the last 6 years, with Staff reporting being punched, spat at, stabbed and even having guns pulled on them. The most recent NHS Staff Survey*, published in March 2025, found that one in seven workers (14.4%) had suffered physical violence in the previous year. While one in twelve (8.2%) NHS workers surveyed experienced unwanted sexual behaviour, including offensive comments, touching and assault. Alarming figures for everyone working within the NHS, especially Managers, who have a duty of care for all staff, as well as patients and their relatives.
While a growing number of hospitals are hiring more security staff, installing bodycams and additional CCTV, none of these measures in themselves are able to raise an instant alarm for assistance, while identifying the exact location and staff member involved in real time.
The Intercall Staff Attack System includes a discreet, durable personal panic alarm that can be worn by all staff members requiring protection, which when activated generates a silent alert, summoning urgent assistance and reporting the precise alert location and caller identity to security staff. Using infra-red and radio technology to generate a call, a signal is transmitted to wired receivers, providing the exact location and identity of the caller from the transmitter’s own unique ID code. Supported by wall-mounted display units, calls are prioritised and clearly displayed, keeping security staff fully informed of the situation.
The solution complies to UK HTM 08-03 Department of Health and HBN 03-01 acute Mental Health unit design standards and can operate stand alone or be integrated with Intercall nurse call systems, offering seamless care, communication and support in one solution.
To find out more, arrange a demo or discuss integration with your existing nurse call system, email sales@intercall.co.uk or call our team on +44(0)1403 713240.
*NHS Staff Survey
https://www.nhsstaffsurveys.com/results/national-results/
