VIOLENT and abusive patients will no longer be treated by the NHS under guidelines published this month.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn has given the go-ahead for Preston hospital staff to deny patients treatment if they attack staff.

Bosses at the Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble General Hospital are now reviewing arrangements already in place. Under the Government's Zero Tolerance Zone campaign, verbal abuse, threats, violence, drug abuse or destruction of property will result in treatment being withheld.

Mr Milburn said: "No one has the right to abuse, intimidate or injure NHS staff and then expect the same staff to respond with their usual care and compassion."

Patients will be given a verbal and written warning before treatment is withdrawn unless danger is imminent or the threat particularly dangerous.

A spokesman for the Chorley and South Ribble and the Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We welcome the announcement by the Government of new national guidelines with regard to the treatment of violent and abusive patients.

"We shall be reviewing our own arrangements to ensure they comply with the guidance.

"The safety of our staff, patients and visitors who use our premises is of paramount importance. We already operate a zero tolerance policy towards acts of aggression, either verbal or physical, and the trusts are prepared to take the perpetrators to court if necessary. We will also support any member of staff who wishes to instigate legal proceedings."

The trusts have already installed closed circuit cameras to monitor public areas, and security staff and other key personnel undertake special training to deal with violent behaviour.