The NHS paid out more than £31million to staff who were assaulted (Image: Getty)
The latest figures reveal it paid out more than £31million to staff who were assaulted – with a further £28.4million in costs.
On top of this, £8.5million went to patients attacked while being treated, with a further £7.4million in fees.
It comes after nurse Achamma Cherian, who is in her 50s, suffered life-changing injuries when she was stabbed at Royal Oldham Hospital’s acute medical unit on January 11.
Roman Haque, 37, from Royton, Oldham, appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court for a brief hearing last week charged with attempted murder, and possession of a bladed article and a pair of scissors in a public place.
He was remanded into custody to reappear at Manchester Crown Court on February 18.
The latest NHS figures for attacks on staff and patients showed hundreds have claimed damages every year after being harmed while trying to do their jobs.
Last year, four staff claimed compensation every week.
There were 1,496 cases involving staff between 2017 and 2024, and 217 claims from members of the public during the same period, draining £75,685,156 in total from the health service. Helga Pile, Unison’s head of health, said: “Nobody should face violence or abuse while simply doing their jobs.
“For aggression to be aimed at NHS workers who are trying to provide care and save lives is even more deplorable.”
She added: “Assaults can leave staff badly injured and traumatised – so much so that they can leave their jobs as a result, worsening the already dire workforce crisis.
“Trusts must do more to prevent attacks from taking place in the first place, by making workplaces safer for staff.
“It’s only right victims are compensated for the harm caused by violence and their employer’s failings.”
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: “Taxpayers will be concerned at how much assault claims are costing the NHS.
“With budgets already stretched, these enormous sums are a huge drain on scarce resources. NHS bosses need to prioritise the safety of both their staff and the public to bring down this bill.”
A NHS spokesperson said: “Any assault or abuse towards NHS staff is completely unacceptable – staff should be able to carry out their important work for patients safely, and we expect swift action to be taken against anyone found responsible of abuse.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson added: “Patients should always feel safe during treatment and NHS staff should be able to care for patients without fear of assault.
“NHS organisations have a responsibility to protect both staff and patients.
“Those committing these shameful acts should feel the full force of the law and anyone who assaults an emergency worker can face up to two years’ imprisonment.”