VIOLENCE against medical staff in Bury is on the increase.

New annual figures have shown the problem is escalating.

Figures from April 1999 to March this year show there were 390 assaults of all types. The statistics were collected in the hospitals and the community

The shock figures represent an increase of 122 over the previous year's total, say health bosses.

A report to Bury Health Care NHS Trust states: "Street violence overspilling into the accident and emergency departments happened on a number of occasions.

"This results in a multiplicity of reports from one incident. "There have been at least two occasions on the mental illness unit where individual difficult patients have resulted in a big increase in the number of incidents of assault and vandalism during their period on the ward."

Figures show there were 142 physical assaults with contract, but no reported injury. There were seven incidents of assaults with injury.

There were a total of 193 verbal assaults by patients and 33 by visitors.

Lorraine Ganley, clinical nurse manager in Bury General Hospital's accident and emergency department, says: "Of the number of incidents occurring within the A & E emergency department, the vast majority are of a violent nature directed at staff, particularly at nursing staff.

"Over the last few months, there has been increased concern expressed by nursing staff within the A & E emergency department about the rising numbers and intensity of violent and aggressive incidents."

She added: "Violence to health care professionals in general, and nurses in particular, is now established as a high priority issue not only by the nursing profession but also by the British Government which has set targets for individual trusts to reduce the number of incidents occurring by 2001.

"The nature of accident and emergency work is such that patients are encountered often at a time of stress and uncertainty."

She went on: "Their condition is undiagnosed and aggression may be the result of their condition, or as a result of alcohol or illicit drugs."

Within the Trust report, violence is deemed as any incident in which a health care professional experiences abuse, threat or fear or the application of force arising out of their work, whether or not they are on duty."

Health bosses say this reflects "that violence is not restricted to acts of aggression that may result in physical harm, but incorporates behaviour including the use of gestures and language that may cause the member of staff to become afraid or feel threatened or abused."

Meanwhile, training sessions on "Looking After Yourself" will continue to be staged for staff.