NHS Chief Amanda Pritchard Condemns Domestic Abuse Facing Over 50,000 Health Workers
- Over 50,000 NHS staff disclosed experiences of domestic abuse in a year, with a majority being women.
- The Brick by Brick campaign aims to raise funds for safe houses for survivors of domestic violence.
- Amanda Pritchard calls for more action to ensure staff safety amid rising concerns over domestic abuse in the NHS.
Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of NHS England, addressed the severe issue of domestic abuse among healthcare workers, revealing that more than 50,000 NHS staff members reported such experiences within a single year. Her comments came as she endorsed The Independent's Brick by Brick campaign, which aims to fund safe houses for victims of domestic violence. The campaign has received significant backing, including donations from various public figures and organizations totaling over £500,000. Pritchard emphasized the need for cultural change within the NHS to ensure that staff, particularly women, can work safely and free from abusive behaviors. Leading medical professionals echoed her sentiments, stressing that domestic abuse is prevalent within society and therefore also affects healthcare workers. They argued for better support mechanisms and awareness in the healthcare system to assist both victims among staff and those treated in hospitals. There is a growing recognition that domestic violence is not merely a personal issue, but one that has profound effects on the workplace and patient care, necessitating a well-rounded strategy to combat it effectively.