NEARLY 100 members of staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital were physically assaulted or verbally abused by patients and relatives last year, figures reveal today.

Despite increases in security, 95 hospital workers, including doctors, nurses, porters and reception staff, said that they had been punched, kicked, spat at, bitten, insulted or sworn at.

The figure is exactly the same as the previous year.

The attacks and abuse have continued despite the introduction of security guards and a police "base" in the accident and emergency department, where most of the incidents take place.

Union bosses said the attacks on staff were just the tip of the iceberg and claimed that many more hospital workers were being attacked or abused every day by patients.

Regional UNISON officer Chris Parkes said: "Our members are on duty trying to help other people and these attacks can deeply affect them - sometimes for the rest of their lives, making it impossible for them to work again.

"These attacks are just the ones that have been recorded. This will just be the tip of the iceberg because staff often see this as part of their job and do not complain.

"Patients can become violent or confused as part of their illness, but it's still an attack and any sort of attack is traumatic not only for staff but for other patients."

Police chiefs have promised that anyone who abuses staff at the hospital will be prosecuted.

Chief Supt Dave Lea, head of Bolton Police, said: "Ninety five attacks on NHS staff is outrageous in this day and age.

"These are people whose purpose is to help others and that patients seeking their help should seek to attack them, either verbally or physically, is simply unacceptable. We have a strong partnership with the authorities and we will prosecute any person who choses to behave in this manner."

Hospital bosses have stepped up security across the Minerva Road site. Extra security guards patrol the wards wearing protective vests.

All 2,500 members of staff are being trained to handle conflict and abuse, an exercise which is expected to take until 2008.

The police base has been in the accident and emergency department since 2002 so that police can investigate serious incidents promptly.

Heather Edwards, head of communications at the hospital, said: "The hospital isnt alone in the problem its a reflection of society.

"We're still increasing our security and CCTV coverage and have a police presence in Accident and Emergency.

"Were pleased the numbers arent increasing, but just one attack is too many as far as were concerned and were working to reduce it.

"Accident and emergency has the highest number of attacks, but it does go on in other wards."