Rise in charges over NHS assaults

The number of people prosecuted for attacking health staff in the South East has increased by 15 times, new figures show.

Authorities say this demonstrates how tough action is being taken and that any aggression towards staff will no longer be tolerated.

There were 73 successful prosecutions in the South East in 2004/05 - double that for the whole UK two years ago.

The regions extends from Oxfordshire to Hampshire and east to Kent.

Although I am pleased with this increase, it also illustrates the extent of the problem Patricia Hewitt Health Minister

Successful prosecutions include a man sentenced to three months in prison for attacking an ambulance crew in their cabin in Oxfordshire and a woman given community service for digging her nails into the arm of an A&E nurse in East Sussex.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Violence against NHS staff is completely unacceptable.

"The huge increase in prosecutions demonstrates that we will take tough action against anyone who attacks them."

"Although I am pleased with this increase, it also illustrates the extent of the problem.

"I am determined to reduce the number of violent incidents occurring in the NHS. NHS staff should not have to tolerate such abuse."