Violence and aggression in the NHS does not stop at hospitals. Unfortunately, it is also witnessed in GP practices and during visits made by health professionals to patients' homes.

That is why, in Brighton and Hove, the zero-tolerance approach to violence covers all locations. We have introduced a new system so healthcare staff will be forewarned about patients who have a history of violent or aggressive behaviour by marking patient records.

This means if a patient has been violent in a particular GP practice, other practices and health and social care professionals in Brighton and Hove and the wider area who may also provide care to the patient are made aware of this behaviour. Forewarned is forearmed.

In Brighton and Hove, patients who behave in a violent or abusive way will be removed immediately from their doctor's list. They will be restricted to a special surgery in a location with added security measures, specially trained staff and rapid- response arrangements agreed with the police. Last year, 25 patients in Brighton and Hove were removed from GP lists due to violence.

Schemes such as this are essential if we are to protect NHS staff and patients. They will help reduce the number of assaults and the risk to staff, which means less stress for them and less stress for the patients who witness these events in places such as surgery waiting rooms.

It is only a very small minority of cases who are aggressive or violent. But we have a duty to protect staff and other patients from these individuals.

-Richard Forshaw, press and communications manager, Brighton and Hove City NHS Primary Care Trust, New England Road, Brighton