STAFF at the Great Western Hospital have vowed to prosecute anyone who assaults staff, after a national survey revealed a 13 per cent rise in violent attacks against NHS staff over two years.

The survey carried out by the National Audit Office revealed that nurses are more likely to face aggression than other members of staff, with one in three nurses having experienced some form of harassment or assault by their patients.

Trust spokesman Chris Birdsall said: "We operate a zero tolerance policy when it comes to attacks on our staff.

"We do unfortunately suffer from attacks from patients and relatives on occasion.

"Recently two people have been prosecuted and convicted of violence against staff working here and we will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who we think has been threatening or assaulting staff.

"It is wholly unacceptable that members of the public should attack, threaten or abuse our staff whose sole intention is to provide care and treatment for people who need it.

"We do accept that there are times when people are very upset or in pain, but we can't accept attacks on our staff. They are dedicated professionals doing the best job they can, sometimes under difficult circumstances."

No figures for the number of attacks of NHS staff in Swindon were available.

Following the issuing of tough new guidance to the NHS last year 50 people prosecuted by NHS Trusts in last eight months as part of the drive to cut violent or abusive behaviour towards NHS staff.

From Tuesday the new Counter Fraud and Security Management Service Special Health Authority will take over lead responsibility for tackling violence against NHS staff.

From 2004, as part of their accreditation process, security specialists in health bodies will receive training in law enforcement techniques, such as interviewing and taking statements from witnesses.

For the first time in 2001, central funding was made available to support local measures for tackling violence against staff.

By 2004 more than £3 million will be allocated to support managers and staff.

Sylvia Denton OBE FRCN, president of the Royal College of Nurses, said: "Around one in three nurses told us that they had experienced some form of harassment or assault by their patients in the last twelve months, so this is a serious problem.

"The RCN believes strongly that nurses have a right to be safe wherever they work, so we're pleased to see the issue of violence against staff in general practice highlighted."