Staff of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have revealed the abusive behaviour they endure as part of a campaign to improve their working conditions.

They have shared their stories for the 'No Excuses' campaign, and have said that they primarily face racist and sexual abuse,

The initiative, which started in 2022, was instigated by increased concerns over aggressive conduct towards hospital staff.

This is Oxfordshire: The stories of staff members have been shared with the publicThe stories of staff members have been shared with the public (Image: OUH)

The campaign not only aims to remind the public of the trust's zero tolerance stance on such behaviour, but also consists of an ongoing internal element featuring a multidisciplinary working group, tailored guidance documents advising employees on dealing with abusive behaviour, and additional support from colleagues.

Staff members are now recounting their experiences of ill treatment and aggression as part of the campaign's next step, focusing on incidents of racist and sexual abuse.

Paula Gardner, interim chief nursing officer, said: "The health, wellbeing, and safety of our staff is of absolute importance to us.

"All our staff should feel safe and free from abuse at work.

This is Oxfordshire: The campaign was launched after an increase in abuseThe campaign was launched after an increase in abuse (Image: OUH)

"Abuse takes several forms, and we know from speaking to our staff that it’s not always overt displays of aggression or violence that have the biggest impact – the smaller, day-to-day incidents can have a long-lasting effect."

“We are committed as a Trust to making OUH a safe place to work, and to making our staff’s working lives better."

Ms Gardner added: "The diversity of our OneTeamOneOUH is one of is greatest strengths and we will not tolerate any racist abuse."

In light of escalating concerns about sexual abuse in the NHS, the Trust have also joined the national 'Sexual Safety in Healthcare Charter' as a pledge to their uncompromising approach towards unacceptable, improper or harmful sexual behaviours.

This is Oxfordshire: The campaign reminds patients of the Trust's zero tolerance policyThe campaign reminds patients of the Trust's zero tolerance policy (Image: OUH)

Ms Gardner said: "While our campaign has been well-received, we know that this behaviour is an ongoing issue – especially in light of ongoing industrial action over the past year.

"We will do all that we can to support and care for our staff – and we hope these stories give people pause and realise the impact that abusive behaviour can have."

OUH, one of the UK's largest acute teaching trusts, collaborates closely with the University of Oxford.

The Trust supports leading research programs tackling ailments like cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s through the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.

The Trust employs more than 12,000 staff and comprises of four hospitals - the Churchill Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.