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Staff attacks at secure hospitals Staff attacks at secure hospitals
(about 20 hours later)
Staff at England's three high-security hospitals have suffered more than 4,000 attacks in the past three years.Staff at England's three high-security hospitals have suffered more than 4,000 attacks in the past three years.
Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal 4,248 attacks took place in Ashworth, Merseyside, Rampton, Notts and Broadmoor, Berks.Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal 4,248 attacks took place in Ashworth, Merseyside, Rampton, Notts and Broadmoor, Berks.
The attacks on staff looking after some of the UK's most dangerous criminals took place between 2004 and 2006.The attacks on staff looking after some of the UK's most dangerous criminals took place between 2004 and 2006.
Every other week a member of staff at Rampton needed A&E treatment. Bosses said violence was not tolerated.Every other week a member of staff at Rampton needed A&E treatment. Bosses said violence was not tolerated.
They added that action was taken against patients.They added that action was taken against patients.
The figures show an average of more than 27 attacks every week at all three institutions.The figures show an average of more than 27 attacks every week at all three institutions.
As more patients are being detained in secure units, this often puts additional pressure on an already over-stretched service Gail Adams, UnisonAs more patients are being detained in secure units, this often puts additional pressure on an already over-stretched service Gail Adams, Unison
In all, 846 attacks took place in Ashworth last year - nearly four times the number in Broadmoor (228) and more than double the number at Rampton (411).In all, 846 attacks took place in Ashworth last year - nearly four times the number in Broadmoor (228) and more than double the number at Rampton (411).
The figures showed 6% (23) of the attacks in Rampton and 7% (15) of those in Broadmoor last year led to staff being taken to an accident and emergency department.The figures showed 6% (23) of the attacks in Rampton and 7% (15) of those in Broadmoor last year led to staff being taken to an accident and emergency department.
There were no details of such attacks for Ashworth.There were no details of such attacks for Ashworth.
There are currently about 230 patients at Ashworth, 230 at Broadmoor and 380 at Rampton. There are currently about 230 patients at Ashworth, 280 at Broadmoor and 380 at Rampton.
In November the Court of Appeal upheld a ruling that the NHS trust running Rampton was negligent in allowing six nurses to be injured by a violent patient.In November the Court of Appeal upheld a ruling that the NHS trust running Rampton was negligent in allowing six nurses to be injured by a violent patient.
One of the nurses suffered a broken arm as 10 people were needed to control Rachel Agar, a patient deemed an exceptional risk during the incident in 2001.One of the nurses suffered a broken arm as 10 people were needed to control Rachel Agar, a patient deemed an exceptional risk during the incident in 2001.
'Not tolerated''Not tolerated'
Gail Adams, head of nursing at health union Unison, said the figures were concerning and part of a worrying trend.Gail Adams, head of nursing at health union Unison, said the figures were concerning and part of a worrying trend.
"As more and more patients are being treated and many being detained in secure units, this often puts additional pressure on an already over-stretched service."As more and more patients are being treated and many being detained in secure units, this often puts additional pressure on an already over-stretched service.
"We will be asking those organisations to provide more detailed information on these episodes, especially Rampton which has already come in for criticism," she said."We will be asking those organisations to provide more detailed information on these episodes, especially Rampton which has already come in for criticism," she said.
Dr Mike Harris, the trust's acting chief executive, said: "Assaults on staff are not tolerated and, where appropriate, action is taken against the individuals involved.Dr Mike Harris, the trust's acting chief executive, said: "Assaults on staff are not tolerated and, where appropriate, action is taken against the individuals involved.
"Trusts cannot maintain safe and dignified services without close personal supervision and unfortunately this sometimes results in staff incidents.""Trusts cannot maintain safe and dignified services without close personal supervision and unfortunately this sometimes results in staff incidents."