An instant fine will be levied to patients who behave in an unbecoming manner, and will need to cough up £80 fines- a trailblazing move by an NHS hospital to punish patients that disrupt hospital environment with their offensive behavior.
The Royal Bolton hospital in Greater Manchester will lead the recent plan by the government to check violent behavior in hospitals. This move is after much deliberation following many acts of violence in hospitals where security staff have had to pull away people from the casualty department after they indulged in distasteful behavior.Richard Parris, consultant in accident and emergency medicine, said: 'Staff don't always report incidents of aggressive behavior towards them - many feel it is part of the job. But this is unacceptable and it has to stop. Nobody should have to put up with that kind of behavior in their workplace and it also causes distress for other patients and visitors in the department.'
The NHS security management service has informed that three other health organizations are mulling over the introduction of fines. The fine factor may deter patients from resorting to antisocial behavior, a spokesman said.
Dr Parris said: 'I have had people threatening to kick my head in for no apparent reason - and not just in the hours you expect, although it is more common in the evenings and weekends. Drink can play a part, but it can take place without alcohol. It can be from anyone at all, patients, their friends or relatives at any time of day or night and not necessarily fuelled by alcohol. Bolton is no worse than anywhere else. This problem is nationwide.'
Source-Medindia
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