Hospitals crack down on violence

The scheme is being implemented at Royal Preston Hospital

Hospitals in Lancashire have launched a scheme to tackle the problem of violent and abusive patients.

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust says the problem of aggressive behaviour towards staff is getting bigger.

In the past year, about 400 hospital staff have been abused or assaulted by patients or visitors.

Extra security guards are now being provided as part of a new initiative at the trust's hospitals.

Panic alarms will also be issued to protect nurses and doctors while counsellors will be available to support victims of attacks.

'Devastated staff'

The scheme will be in place at the Royal Preston, Sharoe Green and Chorley Hospitals.

Liz Yates, LTH's Nursing Director, said: "There are about 400 incidents per year in our trust where staff are abused by patients or visitors.

"These are things like verbal abuse, being threatened or even being assaulted.

"It's quite devastating for the staff.

"Obviously they can suffer physical or psychological pain, their confidence can be dented, their stress levels can rise and there's an effect on patients who are there when the incidents take place."

Zero tolerance

New measures brought in by trust managers will aim to improve the support network for staff if an incident occurs.

They will receive help with dealing with the police, media and court appearances.

The trust also has a zero tolerance policy, in line with national NHS guidelines, and operates a yellow and red card system.

Offenders are given a 'yellow' warning first before being banned from receiving anything but emergency treatment if their bad behaviour continues.