Violent patients in surgery ban

Violent or threatening patients will have to receive medical treatment at police stations instead of doctors' surgeries.

A new zero-tolerance policy is to be enforced in Sandwell, West Midlands, in an effort to protect GPs and other surgery staff.

Patients whose behaviour is unacceptable will be struck off all the doctors lists in the area and have to receive treatment at special clinics set up at police stations.

The measure will be adopted by Sandwell's three Primary Care Trusts, Oldbury and Smethwick, Rowley Regis and Tipton and Wednesbury and West Bromwich.

The new approach is also designed to protect health workers who make home visits.

The clinics are being set up at police stations in Smethwick and West Bromwich.

The new policy will come into force in June.