Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate has been made of the number of recorded incidents of (a) verbal abuse (b) physical assault (c) sexual assault and (d) harassment against staff in (i) GP practices (ii) pharmacies (iii) dentists in England.

The Department does not hold data on the number of recorded incidents in these settings, which are each independent contractors to the National Health Service.

We know how challenging disgraceful incidences of abuse and violence can be for staff. The Government is clear that there is never a justification for this unacceptable behaviour towards healthcare staff, who have the right to work free from fear of abuse or assault.

There is a range of NHS commissioned services available to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff across settings.

Incidents of criminal behaviour should be reported to the police. In May 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service updated guidance to prosecutors which will bring swifter justice against those that assault our frontline workers.