A HOSPITAL A&E department in Lancashire has become the first in England and Wales to be part of a Pubwatch scheme to stop drunks abusing staff.

The Emergency Department at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital will be included in the area’s pub security scheme which bars drinkers from all pubs if they are abusive or violent.

It now means should revellers attack or insult doctors or nurses at the hospital they could also be barred from every one of the area’s 22 local pubs and clubs.

Recent incidents at the hospital have included a nurse being slapped by a drunken man and another drinker in A&E who became violent and started throwing equipment around - causing £1,200 of damage to an ECG machine.

Tina Lawrenson, acting matron, Chorley Emergency Department, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a great idea.

”Abusive and violent behaviour against NHS staff has become more commonplace.

"The trust already has a series of measures in place to deal with the problem but being banned from pubs and clubs should act as a further deterrent as it has a profound effect on their lifestyle.

”We are delighted the scheme has been extended to include the A&E Department.”

Coun Iris Smith, chair of Chorley Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “The Pubwatch scheme has been a great success and we’re delighted that it’s being extended to include the hospital.

”We don’t tolerate people who are abusive or violent in the borough’s pubs and I’m sure this will make people think twice before being abusive or violent towards hospital staff.

”Anyone who acts in this manner in the Emergency Department will be banned from pubs in Chorley and the surrounding villages.”