Not long ago it would have been almost unheard of for a patient to attack the family doctor.

Now many GPs carry personal alarms and two-way radios when visiting patients, particularly at night.

Last year there were 17 recorded attacks on GPs in Brighton and Hove but the real figure is almost certainly far higher.

While some cases are minor, some doctors have been seriously assaulted, including one who was attacked by a man with a hammer.

It is intolerable that GPS working for the good of patients should find themselves attacked by a small minority.

In the most serious cases, the patients should be arrested, charged and sentenced if found guilty like anyone else committing assaults.

But these patients still have medical problems like the rest of us and may need further treatment.

It is bold of the Preston Park surgery to see patients who have been struck off by other GPs for their violent behaviour.

There are extra precautions at the surgery, including security staff and CCTV cameras, but it seems to work. Doctors have been given training about how to calm people down.

It's a sad reflection on society that all these precautions have to be taken but it is vital doctors should be protected.