Florence Nightingale - soon to wear armour?

Bid To Prevent Violence Against Nurses

Thousands of doctors and nurses have been attacked over the past few years. One study found that one in 10 NHS staff had been assaulted over the past 12 months; for the general public the figure was one in 310.

Safeguarding hospitals but what if a patient turns violent?

In one case a nursing sister working in a hospital in Portsmouth had her face slashed. In another, a pregnant consultant was kicked in the stomach.

Some health professionals feel the courts and police have not taken the issue seriously enough. The Government has now promised to step in and to ensure tougher sentences on those convicted of assaulting NHS staff.

Frank Dobson: Tough on violent patients

Mr Dobson said he would also revise the Patient's Charter. In future patients will not only have rights - but also responsiblities. For example patients will be responsible for not turning up at hospitals drunk.

Dobson: Will come down hard

Additional measures will involve extra training for staff and changed layouts for casualty departments.