Publish date: 1 May 2026
More than one in five colleagues at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have experienced harassment, violence or abuse from patients, service users, relatives or members of the public, according to the NHS Staff Survey. In response, the Trust has launched a new Violence Prevention & Reduction Strategy, setting out a firm commitment to protect staff, patients and visitors from violence and aggression.
The strategy is supported by a staff-led campaign, “Our Care. Your Respect.”, which has been co-designed with colleagues and shaped directly by the lived experiences of staff who have experienced violence and abuse at work. The campaign reinforces clear expectations around behaviour while recognising the professionalism, compassion and care delivered by NHS staff every day, and ensures staff voices are central to how the Trust responds to and prevents violence.
The new strategy adopts a public health and experience-informed approach, recognising that violence is preventable and must be addressed through partnership, early intervention and education.
The Trust’s approach is underpinned by six key principles, including zero tolerance for deliberate acts of violence, improved training and awareness, data-driven decision-making and close collaboration with partners.
Megan Nurse, Trust Chair said:
“Violence and aggression are not part of the job. This strategy makes clear our commitment to protecting our workforce, supporting colleagues to report incidents, and taking appropriate action where behaviour is unacceptable.”
The ‘Our Care. Your Respect.’ campaign has been co-designed with staff and features lived experiences from colleagues across the Trust. Campaign posters and materials will be visible across hospital sites, alongside clear information for patients and visitors on expected behaviours and available support.
The strategy will be embedded with ongoing staff engagement, training, partnership working and regular reporting to ensure progress and accountability.
You can find the full strategy on the Trust’s website. (https://
