Plans mooted for police protection for nurses

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Nurses in Wales could get police protection in their hospital and lessons in dealing with aggressors, under recommendations by the country's devolved government.

Extra CCTV and changes to the law, allowing the NHS to seek compensation if staff are assaulted, have also been suggested by a taskforce set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

Set up last October by health minister Edwina Hart, the taskforce includes members from trade unions, NHS Wales and the Welsh Association of Police Officers.

Ms Hart said: 'I've asked officials put the recommendations into a costed action plan and to strengthen further the message of positive action against those who are violent towards NHS staff.'

The plan will allow Ms Hart to decide which of the recommendations to implement.