NHS: Sexual harassment of staff widespread, Unison survey says

The Department of Health and Social Care said such behaviour was “unacceptable” and encouraged staff to report it.

A department spokesman said NHS organisations had a responsibility to protect both staff and patients.

He said the department had “a zero tolerance approach” and would continue to work with the NHS to ensure measures were being taken to stop such behaviour, and make sure staff felt comfortable raising concerns.

“We encourage any member of staff who have faced these issues to report it within the NHS, and to the police,” he said.

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “No-one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour, and certainly not in their place of work.”

Prof Ranger said: “Nursing staff should be able to come to work and expect the NHS to be a safe place – and not face the risk of assault, harassment, or abuse.”

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive at NHS Providers, described the findings as “deeply concerning”.

He said: “Trust leaders are working incredibly hard to ensure every NHS employee is rightly treated with dignity and respect.”