Nursing staff in NHS emergency departments (EDs) face rising levels of violence as patient and public anger at long A&E waiting times spills over, it is claimed. Reports from 89 trusts that operate EDs suggest a steep rise in violence against staff. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union heard from staff who described the threats they face: one recalled being knocked unconscious after a punch to the head, others were threatened with a firearm or acid. The RCN condemned the violence and urged ministers to address understaffing and long ED waits, which it claimed are escalating tensions among patients and public.