Petition · past parliament
Make it a specific criminal offence to attack a member of NHS Medical Staff.
Rejected
11 signatures
What the petition asks
There are 185 attacks on NHS staff a day in England. It is unacceptable that dedicated staff should both fear and face violence whilst caring for the sick. For 20 years it has been a specific offence to attack a Police officer. Give the same protection to our medical staff.
Figures show that attacks on NHS staff are rising. With stretched resources, higher demand and rising waiting times the NHS can ill afford this violence.
For twenty years it has been a specific offence to attack a Police officer conducting their duties. (Section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996)
We the undersigned believe it is time to extend this higher legal provision and protection to NHS medical staff and make it a specific offence to assault them.
For twenty years it has been a specific offence to attack a Police officer conducting their duties. (Section 89(1) of the Police Act 1996)
We the undersigned believe it is time to extend this higher legal provision and protection to NHS medical staff and make it a specific offence to assault them.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
Timeline
| 21 Dec 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 21 Dec 2016 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
11
Status
Rejected
Rejected
21 Dec 2016
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.