NURSES and doctors at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital are facing more attacks from patients.

And now the city's police have issued a warning following an increase in violent incidents at the hospital's accident and emergency unit in the city.

Central police station is just across the road from the hospital and officers said they could respond to calls in just seconds.

PC Debra White, Newport central's crime and disorder reduction officer, said: "We've had 13 calls to A and E in just three months which, considering they've got their own security, is quite a bit.

"And it does seem to be increasing. We had hardly any calls before the end of November."

Incidents include: l a man smashing windows; l three men fighting outside A and E and refusing to leave; l a patient making a nuisance of himself; l somebody arriving in an ambulance being abusive and swearing at staff; l an aggressive person in the back of an ambulance; l a violent drunk causing staff problems.

Police were also called to the hospital in December after a man was allegedly seen brandishing an axe.

The Argus ran a campaign in 2001 calling on the Assembly to introduce a Red Card scheme in Welsh hospitals, like that operating in some hospitals in England.

English hospitals have the power to ban persistently violent patients for up to a year, to 'Red Card' them if initial warnings over their behaviour, known as Yellow Cards, are ignored.

The Assembly decided not to implement such a scheme in Wales choosing instead to adopt a zero tolerance policy involving prosecution of violent offenders.

PC White said: "The hospital put up posters saying they wouldn't put up with it, but that message seems to have been forgotten.

"These people should know that if we are called, we will respond even if they need treatment.

"They will still be arrested and they will be seen by our doctor at the station."

She said: "A lot of it is drunk people over there at the weekend, and while the staff will do their best to treat them, they don't have to put up with violence and aggression.

"It takes us just seconds to get over there."

A spokesman for Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust said: "We are experiencing an increase in violent incidents, especially in our Accident and Emergency Units from members of the public, both of a verbal and physical nature.

"This isn't only limited to the evening, but has been experienced at all times.

"Our own security department is able to deal with most cases, but we have called the police on several occasions over the past months.

"We use CCTV cameras extensively and we operate a zero tolerance policy towards violent or threatening behaviour in any of our hospitals. "It is a problem that is time consuming and needlessly ties up staff who could be treating those in most need."

l Are you a victim of hospital violence? Call our newsdesk on 01633 777219 and tell us your story.