Figures show incidents of physical violence have doubled to 178 in the last year. In 1997, 86 incidents were reported.

John Orchin, the Health and Safety Manager at the Royal Group, says the purchase of special stab-proof vests and other security measures are undesireable but necessary steps.

John Orchin shows one of the stab-proof vests issued to staff

"We were compelled once the risk assessment indicated it was necessary to purchase them," he said, stressing that the decision was taken after consultation with staff.

Other security measures which are being deployed include the installation of closed circuit television and all staff will be able to avail of personal panic alarms.

Incidents of verbal abuse by patients against hospital staff showed a significant increase also.

A total of 349 incidents of verbal abuse were reported - up 128 from the previous 12 months.

In Belfast's City Hospital, reported incidents of violent assaults against staff working there showed a reduction.

Staff working in the accident & emergency unit were subjected to 158 "threatening incidents".

This figure includes bad language being used against a member of staff and cases of physical violence.