Far too many nurses, doctors and other staff are being attacked by violent people when they are in hospital.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn is right to say this is unacceptable and every measure must be taken to stop it.

The number of cases in which NHS staff are being abused or assaulted is rising steadily, especially in places such as Worthing Hospital's accident and emergency department.

Part of the increase is because staff are being encouraged to report cases but there is still a significant rise in violence.

The NHS should not hesitate to take legal action in cases where the Crown Prosecution Service has failed to do so.

Security in hospitals needs to be stepped up, with more CCTV cameras, so offenders have a greater chance of being caught.

It is also a good idea for staff to have training so in some cases they can nip violence in the bud.

Perhaps it is understandable some patients, friends and relatives are upset and worried in hospital.

But there is no excuse for that worry to explode into physical attacks - and in many cases it has been brought on by drink or drugs.

It's terrible that some people brought into hospital for treatment end up hitting dedicated staff who then need medical attention themselves. It must not be allowed to continue.