Red cards for violent patients

There are concerns the violence is making it harder to recruit staff

Violent patients who attack hospital staff in south Cumbria could be refused all but emergency treatment.

Directors of Morecombe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust will discuss the proposals on Wednesday.

A report going before the board says there has been an increase in violence and abuse towards staff, some by patients who become well-known as dangerous.

The report says attacks on staff have resulted in significant injuries and is seriously affecting morale.

There are concerns the violence is making it harder to recruit and retain workers.

'Yellow card'

The directors will discuss the report which states such behaviour is "unacceptable" and suggests a yellow and red card system to deal with the problem.

Patients who persist in acting badly after the first offence will be given a yellow card - effectively a written warning.

Further offences will mean they will be refused all but emergency treatment - and once that is given they will be transferred to another hospital outside the Morecambe Bay area.

If that is not possible, security measures will be taken to protect staff, other patients and visitors.