VIOLENT and abusive patients in Bury could find themselves denied NHS treatment for up to a year.

As part of the Government's zero tolerance campaign, NHS staff can now withhold treatment from patients who behave in a threatening manner.

Health bosses, however, stressed that people with mental health problems or suffering life-threatening conditions will not be denied treatment.

Bury Health Care NHS Trust, in line with others across the country, will draw up its own policy whereby unacceptable behaviour could lead to treatment being withdrawn. Such behaviour includes verbal abuse, threats, violence, drug or alcohol abuse in hospital and destruction of property. A verbal warning will be initially given and a written warning before the decision to withhold treatment is made.

However, the threat of imminent danger or the seriousness of an actual incident, could mean treatment being immediately withheld. Treatment may be withdrawn for a up to 12 months.

Alan Milburn, health secretary, said: "It's simply deplorable that people who spend their lives caring for others should face the daily threat of verbal or physical assault. Violent and abusive behaviour should not be tolerated in the NHS whether committed by patients or by their relatives."

He added: "Withholding treatment should only ever be a last resort and must be subject to stringent safeguards. The guidelines are intended to ensure that the need to protect staff is properly balanced against the need to provide health care to patients."

Mr Milburn concluded: "Assault is a crime and the NHS should always press for the maximum possible penalty for anyone who commits a crime against NHS staff."

A publicity campaign has also been launched in GP practices to warn patients that any display of violent behaviour will be reported to the police and that they will be struck off their GP's list.