HEALTH bosses are cracking down on violent patients at Chorley Hospital by adopting a zero tolerance approach to the problem.

Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust is taking a number of steps to keep its staff and other workers safe.

These include making changes to the environment or working practices and providing training for staff in how to deal with aggression.

Staff are being encouraged to report all incidents which will be investigated thoroughly and support will be provided to individuals who have been victims of assault.

The trust says an important part of the strategy is to make it clear that violence of any sort will not be tolerated.

It adds that it does not expect staff to place themselves at risk in order to deliver care. The trust has worked in conjunction with the police and the local crime prevention officer to take appropriate action against patients who assault, threaten or abuse.

Glenn Mather, clinical governance co-ordinator, said: "A system is in place within Chorley and South Ribble that has been developed in conjunction with the police to treat known violent patients in a secure environment.

"We hope that by training NHS staff on diffusing violent situations and raising public awareness of zero tolerance in the NHS the number of incidents will reduce."

Chairman Dennis Benson said: "We are very supportive of our staff who, in some cases are required to function over and above their call of duty, and the idea they should tolerate abuse is not acceptable."