A MAN sparked a major security alert when he threatened to kill a hospital staff nurse with a claw hammer and a bread knife.

Burnley Crown Court was told how ex-convict Paul Smith, 49, said he was mentally ill, wanted to harm himself and demanded to see a pscychiatrist.

The court heard how victim Naomi Turner continued to offer help to Smith even though he carried on threatening her in a room at Burnley General Hospital.

The incident, last October, prompted calls for a major review of security at the hospital.

Today Bill Berry, a spokesman for Unison's North West office, said: "We do continue to have grave concerns about violence in the workplace including the NHS and we are constantly lobbying the Government to take a firm line in relation to service users who are violent towards staff."

Smith, of Cedar Street, Burnley, had earlier admitted affray and possessing offensive weapons and had been committed for sentence by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Magistrates. Sentence was adjourned and he was bailed by Recorder John Rawkins.

Smith, who had been on a birthday night out, claimed he was hearing voices and his behaviour was said to be a cry for help.

Joanna Rodrikis, prosecuting, said that at 10.20pm the defendant attended Burnley General Hospital, spoke to Miss Turner and was taken into the triage room.

Smith told her he had a mental illness, wanted to harm himself and was going to kill her.

When the defendant was told he would have to see a doctor he said he would kill the nurse if he did not see a psychiatrist.

Miss Rodrikis said Justin Storey, a security guard, was called and Smith was asked to take his coat off so his blood pressure could be taken.

The defendant told Miss Turner he knew he was going to get in trouble and she believed he had some sort of weapon inside his jacket.

He then went outside until police arrived and when the defendant was searched he was found in possession of a claw hammer and a bread knife.

He was seen by a psychiatrist that night but was not sectioned and the medic felt he was fit to be charged.

When Smith was interviewed, he said he had gone out for his birthday, had had a lot to drink and was drunk. He said he needed help and heard voices inside his head. Smith told officers he had then gone home and got a bread knife and claw hammer to assist him in getting help from the hospital.

The prosecutor added the defendant said he could not remember what he said and his only recollection was being arrested. Smith had previously served prison sentences of six and two years for arson.

Philip Holden, defending, said what Smith really needed was help and his actions had been a cry for help. He was asking for a psychiatrist and was disinhibited by the large amount of alcohol he had drunk. He now had an appointment to see a psychiatrist locally.