The vast majority of patients and families are appreciative of our staffs’ efforts to care for them and their loved ones, but too often colleagues experience abusive, intimidating and threatening behaviour from those they are trying to help.
This is not an accepted part of anyone’s job, least of all someone who is giving care to those who need it most.
Here at Medway our message is clear, we will not tolerate any violence, abusive or aggressive behaviour or intimidation towards our staff.
We will use all means possible to protect them, including legal options and yellow card warnings* or red card sanctions**, to ensure they can carry out their work without fearing for their safety while trying to help others, or because of their race, disability, sexual orientation, beliefs or transgender identity.
Anyone who behaves in this way, or who damages hospital property, will be asked to leave by our security staff and, if appropriate, we will take legal action, which could result in prosecution.
Please remember to always be kind and understanding to our staff.
* Yellow card warning – involves a formal written warning alerting the person to the consequences of their behaviour for verbally assaulting, or disrupting staff who work in, or provide services to the NHS. The warning is recorded on an individual’s medical record for up to one year. If the behaviour continues, and or, it leads to a physical assault, a ‘Red card’ may be issued.
** Red card sanctions – may be issued for an offence where a physical assault has taken place and or the disruption to the delivery of care is so severe that a ‘Yellow card’ warning is deemed insufficient. Once issued, the person’s access to Trust services is limited and they will only be treated by staff if they need life-saving treatment.
Our policies are intended for staff use, but if you would like to receive a copy of the Trust’s policy on the issuing of yellow card warnings and red card sanctions, please contact our Integrated Governance Team by emailing medwayft.integratedgovernance@nhs.net
Our commitment to sexual safety for patients, visitors, staff and volunteers
Creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone who works in, visits or receives care here at Medway is a priority for us. No one should ever experience sexism, sexual harassment, abuse or assault of any kind and we are taking steps to ensure these behaviours are never tolerated.
As part of this commitment, we are proud signatories of the first NHS Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter — a national pledge designed to protect staff, patients, volunteers and visitors from all forms of sexual misconduct. The charter sets out clear expectations for reporting, training, support and accountability across the NHS.
By signing the charter, we are committed to the following 10 key actions:
- We will actively work to eradicate sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace.
- We will promote a culture that fosters openness and transparency, and does not tolerate unwanted, harmful and/or inappropriate sexual behaviours.
- We will take an intersectional approach to the sexual safety of our workforce, recognising certain groups will experience sexual harassment and abuse at a disproportionate rate.
- We will provide appropriate support for those in our workforce who experience unwanted, inappropriate and/or harmful sexual behaviours.
- We will clearly communicate standards of behaviour. This includes expected action for those who witness inappropriate, unwanted and/or harmful sexual behaviour.
- We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear policies are in place. They will include appropriate and timely action against alleged perpetrators.
- We will ensure appropriate, specific, and clear training is in place.
- We will ensure appropriate reporting mechanisms are in place for those experiencing these behaviours.
- We will take all reports seriously and appropriate and timely action will be taken in all cases.
- We will capture and share data on prevalence and staff experience transparently.
These commitments apply to everyone in the hospital community — patients, visitors, volunteers and staff.
The Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act places greater responsibility on employers to prevent sexual harassment and ensure that policies, procedures and reporting mechanisms are robust and accessible.
This is reflected in our Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination and Conflict Resolution Policy. which provides clear definitions, guidance and reporting options for anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment or abuse.
Alongside this, several other policies help safeguard staff, patients and visitors from harassment, abuse and misconduct. These include:
- The Domestic Abuse Policy – covers both staff and patients and was written to reflect the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
- Safeguarding allegations against staff policy
- Safeguarding policy
- Freedom to Speak Up (FTSU) – whistleblowing policy
- Health and safety policy
- Corporate Red and Yellow carding of patients if they pose a risk to staff or other patients
- Security Management Policy
- Violence and Aggression Policy
Together, these policies help us create a safe environment where concerns are taken seriously.
Sexual misconduct of any kind will always be taken seriously. Staff, volunteers, patients and visitors are encouraged to report any incidents or concerns to:
- A senior member of staff – such as the nurse in charge, ward manager or matron. · Our safeguarding team – email met-tr.safeguardingadults@nhs.net
- Our security team – you can find them in the main entrance.
- Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) Team – visit the PALS hub in main reception, opposite the League of Friends’ First Rate Café and Shop, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm (closed Bank Holidays). Or call 01634 825004 or email medwayft.pals@nhs.net
Anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault should contact the police as soon as possible by calling 999. Specialist organisations are also available to provide confidential support.
Help is available for anyone affected by sexual harassment or abuse. Support services include:
- Oasis Domestic Abuse Service – helps people in Medway, East Kent and North Kent find the strength and support to leave an abusive relationship.
- Victim Support – supports people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
- Beech House Sexual Assault Referral Centre – supports people of all ages in Kent and Medway that have experienced sexual assault or rape in their lifetime.
- NSPCC – works to prevent child abuse in England and help children and young people who’ve been abused rebuild their lives.
- Childline – offers help and support to children and young people under the age of 19.
Find out more about how we safeguard children, young people and adults and the agencies we work partnership with.