New legal protections have come into force in Wales to better protect NHS staff, patients and visitors from nuisance and disruptive behaviour in hospitals and other NHS premises.
The changes introduce a specific criminal offence of causing nuisance or disturbance on NHS property, alongside new powers allowing police officers and authorised NHS staff to remove individuals who disrupt healthcare services.
Nuisance and disruptive behaviour covered by the legislation includes verbal abuse, blocking corridors, preventing NHS staff from carrying out their duties, and creating excessive noise in waiting areas, wards and other healthcare settings. The powers are designed to ensure that hospitals can operate safely and that staff are able to deliver care without fear of harassment or obstruction.
The legislation does not apply to patients who are on NHS premises to seek medical advice, treatment or care for themselves. However, individuals who are not receiving care, who cause disruption, or who refuse to leave when asked by staff or police, may now be removed from NHS premises.
The powers form part of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 and give police the authority to remove a person suspected of committing the offence, using reasonable force if necessary. The aim is to safeguard staff wellbeing while protecting patient care and ensuring essential NHS services are not delayed or disrupted.
The new measures were developed in partnership with the Anti‑Violence Collaborative, Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, NHS Wales organisations, and trade unions, reflecting a system‑wide approach to tackling abuse in healthcare settings.
Jeremy Miles, Welsh Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care said:
“These powers strengthen protections for our NHS staff and help ensure that our hospitals and healthcare settings remain safe for staff and patients where care can flourish.
“This is about safety, dignity and supporting the workforce. It does not criminalise people seeking care - it ensures that staff can do their jobs free from fear and people can receive treatment in calm, secure environments.
“Today's action sends a strong, positive signal: in Wales we stand with our NHS workforce.”
The introduction of the powers follows concerning findings from the latest All Wales NHS Staff Survey, which showed a sharp decline in the proportion of staff who feel safe from abuse by patients and the public. The number dropped from 83.6% to 74.8%, highlighting the growing impact of unacceptable behaviour on staff morale and safety.
Welsh Government and NHS leaders say the changes send a clear message that abuse and disruption in hospitals will not be tolerated, helping create safer environments for the NHS workforce and the people they care for.
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