A hospital is hoping to link its internal CCTV security system with a nearby police station as part of a drive to reduce attacks on staff.

The move would mean police at John Street station in Brighton would be immediately aware of unfolding incidents at Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Other measures being considered include introducing a photo ID card system for staff that will double up as a swipe card to get in and out of restricted areas around the hospital grounds.

Brighton Health Care NHS Trust reported 734 incidents of violence, threats and abuse in the past year with more than 400 taking place in the Royal Sussex accident and emergency department.

Lee Soden, director of facilities, said a large number of measures had already been brought in to tackle the problem.

He said: "Violence of any kind against staff is something we take very seriously and we operate a zero tolerance policy.

"In recent years we have brought in 18 CCTV cameras and increased the number of security staff from two to 20.

"The presence of security staff has helped stop many incidents developing into attacks that leave staff injured.

"We have placed an order for the equipment to create the link with the police station as we believe it will be very helpful.

"We work very closely with the police as part of our zero tolerance policy aimed at prosecuting those who attack staff."

Staff training on how to deal with violence and aggression has also been introduced and panic alarms have been set up at key points around the hospital.

Mr Soden has cautiously welcomed new Government plans to withdraw treatment for patients who persistently attack and abuse staff.

He said: "Withdrawing treatment is not something that would be done lightly but it is something that could be considered as a last resort."