NHS chiefs have issued a 'zero tolerance warning' after a recent increase of violent and aggression towards North East staff.
The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria Police have now warned that anyone who does abuse staff could face police action and refused treatment.
The trust wants to send a clear message to the public and reinforce that any form of abuse, whether verbal or physical, will not be tolerated and will result in swift and severe action, including contacting the police and possible refusal of treatment.
