The Health Committee of the Greater London Authority Council met on Wednesday 4 March 2026 to discuss violence and abuse against healthcare staff in London. The committee also reviewed its work programme and considered a response from the Mayor of London regarding men's mental health.

Violence and Abuse Against Healthcare Staff in London

The committee was scheduled to examine the apparent increase in violence and abuse directed at healthcare staff in London. Discussions were intended to cover the impact of such incidents on both individuals and services, and to explore potential actions to address the issue and support affected staff. Invited guests included representatives from the London Ambulance Service (LAS), the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), NHS England (London region), Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and the Princess Royal University Hospital.

Response to Committee Output: Men's Mental Health

The committee was scheduled to note the response received from the Mayor of London to the committee's report on men's mental health in London. This report, published following discussions on 2 June and 2 July 2025, highlighted the importance of addressing men's mental health, the impact of stigma, and the need for improved access to support services. The Mayor's response, dated 14 January 2026, outlined his commitment to working with partners to strengthen support for men's mental health and detailed ongoing initiatives and investments in this area.

Health Committee Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to review its work programme. This included noting additional activities undertaken since the last meeting, specifically a site visit and informal roundtable meetings to support an investigation into enabling community use of school sports facilities. This investigation aims to promote exercise and reduce health inequalities for young people in London. The committee was also to be updated on its meeting schedule for the upcoming year.

Declarations of Interests

The committee was scheduled to note the list of offices held by Assembly Members as disclosable pecuniary interests. It was also to note any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests or other relevant interests made by members concerning specific agenda items, and any necessary actions taken by members following such declarations.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The committee was recommended to confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2026 to be signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Summary List of Actions

The committee was recommended to note the outstanding actions arising from its previous meetings and any additional evidence received. This included actions related to breast cancer screening in London, public health messaging on the Transport for London (TfL) estate, and weight loss medication in London.

Subject: Violence and Abuse Against Healthcare Staff in London

The report provided background information for the committee's discussion on violence and abuse against healthcare staff. It highlighted a reported increase in such incidents, with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) noting an 11.3 per cent rise in violence, aggression, and abuse incidents in 2024 compared to 2023. Data from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) indicated a significant increase in physical violence against staff recorded in 2024. The report also noted that NHS staff from minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled staff are more likely to experience violence at work. The potential impacts on staff wellbeing and the economic costs to the health system were also outlined. The report referenced the statutory duty of care for NHS leaders to prevent workplace violence and mentioned NHS England's Violence Prevention Reduction standard. Specific actions taken by some health services, such as the LAS investing in CCTV and body-worn cameras, and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives' #WorkWithoutFear campaign, were also detailed.

Health Committee Work Programme

The report outlined the Health Committee's work programme, intended to enable the committee to fulfil its role in examining and reporting on health matters in London and scrutinising the Mayor's Health Inequalities Strategy. It noted that Krupesh Hirani AM had been appointed as a rapporteur to lead an investigation into the community use of school sports facilities to support exercise and reduce health inequalities for young Londoners. Activities undertaken to support this investigation included informal roundtables with youth and community groups, a site visit to Kingsbury High School, and further informal roundtables with schools. The report also confirmed the committee's meeting dates, approved by the London Assembly.

Subject: Response to Committee Output

This report outlined the response received from the Mayor of London to the Health Committee's report on men's mental health in London. The Mayor's response, dated 14 January 2026, commended the committee's work and acknowledged the importance of addressing men's mental health, the impact of stigma, and the need for improved access to support. The Mayor highlighted his commitment to working with partners to strengthen support for men's mental health and noted alignment with his Health Inequalities Strategy. The response also detailed the Mayor's ongoing investments in campaigns and resources to encourage Londoners to seek help, and his continued work with Thrive LDN on a prevention-focused approach. The Mayor stated he does not have power over the commissioning or provision of health and care services but confirmed his officers work closely with the NHS and other partners, and that the Greater London Authority (GLA) is represented on the London Mental Health Board. An annex provided the Mayor's response to specific recommendations from the committee's report.

Subject: Violence and Abuse Against Healthcare Staff in London

This report provided background information for the committee's discussion on violence and abuse against healthcare staff in London. It highlighted a reported increase in such incidents, with the London Ambulance Service (LAS) noting an 11.3 per cent rise in violence, aggression, and abuse incidents in 2024 compared to 2023. Data from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) indicated a significant increase in physical violence against staff recorded in 2024. The report also noted that NHS staff from minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled staff are more likely to experience violence at work. The potential impacts on staff wellbeing and the economic costs to the health system were also outlined. The report referenced the statutory duty of care for NHS leaders to prevent workplace violence and mentioned NHS England's Violence Prevention Reduction standard. Specific actions taken by some health services, such as the LAS investing in CCTV and body-worn cameras, and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives' #WorkWithoutFear campaign, were also detailed.

Subject: Health Committee Work Programme

The report outlined the Health Committee's work programme, intended to enable the committee to fulfil its role in examining and reporting on health matters in London and scrutinising the Mayor's Health Inequalities Strategy. It noted that Krupesh Hirani AM had been appointed as a rapporteur to lead an investigation into the community use of school sports facilities to support exercise and reduce health inequalities for young Londoners. Activities undertaken to support this investigation included informal roundtables with youth and community groups, a site visit to Kingsbury High School, and further informal roundtables with schools. The report also confirmed the committee's meeting dates, approved by the London Assembly.