Government moves to tackle rising violence levels in hospitals have been backed by Worthing's Unison secretary Peter Atkinson.

Mr Atkinson, of the West Sussex primary care and mental health branch of Unison, welcomed a call by the Commons Public Accounts Committee for action to reverse the increase in attacks and aggression against NHS staff.

Despite improved awareness and reporting of assaults, Unison agreed with a Government report that found there was an urgent need to identify the best way to prevent violence.

Mr Atkinson, based at Worthing Hospital, said: "We want to see more anti-violence measures being put into practice at local levels.

"This means an absolute commitment from NHS managers to ensure adequate measures are in place.

"These must include risk assessment, appropriate training and education for both clinical and support staff, robust reporting and follow-up action as well as effective partnership working with other agencies such as the police.

"Unison is also keen to ensure any measures taken to reduce violence should be reviewed regularly to assess their effectiveness and good practice should be shared between trusts."

He said rehabilitation and the provision of a safe environment could save the NHS millions of pounds which is, at present, spent on sick pay, agency staff and the recruitment of staff to replace those who leave the service.

Unison is also calling for a new class of offence of assaulting a public sector worker and tougher penalties in line with those given to people who assault police officers.

Mr Atkinson said: "We support the zero tolerance campaign in the NHS and believe it is raising awareness among staff, managers and the public that it is simply not acceptable to work in fear."