Violent patients in Swindon will be struck off GP lists and given their own police-guarded surgeries.

By the end of the year two doctors' surgeries in the borough will be set aside to deal with aggressive patients.

The Government's call for such drastic action reflects the increasing number of attacks on doctors and front-line staff nationwide.

Such a surgery already exists under South Leicester Primary Care Trust, where 26 patients are treated by GPs trained in self-defence and anger management at the £36,000-a-year clinic.

Police are on standby throughout appointments in case there is any violence.

The Department of Health now wants all local health authorities to set up similar schemes.

Last week, 53-year-old Norman Hutchins became the first person to be banned from entering or calling all NHS premises or private clinics in England and Wales.

Hutchins, from York, was made the subject of an anti-social behaviour order by magistrates following abusive behaviour towards medical staff.

Ros Hartley, Swindon PCT's director of primary care and commissioning, said that staff at Swindon's secure surgeries which have yet to be identified would be trained in dealing with patient aggression. She said: "We value our staff and are committed to ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.

"However, we also have a duty to provide health services for all our community.

"To this end we have developed a range of safety measures and procedures."

The PCT currently has a contract with security company Patrolnet, to ensure that home visits with known violent patients are as safe as possible.

Earlier this year the trust issued all GPs with a Violent Patients' Procedure, a step-by-step guide on how to handle violent patients or potentially violent situations.

It's not just GPs who are in the firing line of violence.

At the beginning of this year an abusive patient at the Great Western Hospital was shown the red card and banned by the hospital from entering the grounds for a year except for emergency treatment.

A survey among staff at the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust revealed that one in nine have experienced physical violence from patients,

A quarter have been on the receiving end of harassment, bullying or abuse.

All frontline workers at the hospital are currently being trained in self-protection.

Francesca Thompson, the director of nursing at GWH, said: "We target particular areas like A and E and are also very mindful of staff who work in isolated places or in the community.

"We run violence and aggression courses throughout the year to promote safety and awareness.

"We also have a working collaborative with the police on the Zero Tolerance Policy.

"The hospital is part of the local constable beat, who are happy to increase their presence if required."

Alex Emery