Close circuit television cameras are to be placed in four Welsh hospitals to help protect staff from violence and aggression.

Latest figures for 2006-07 show that there were 8,466 incidents of violence against NHS staff, ranging from verbal abuse to serious physical assaults.

Tina Donnelly, Director of the Royal College of Nursing Wales, said: “Hopefully, a strong message of encouragement will be given to the public to support nurses and other NHS staff and also an equally strong message that will deter potential offenders from verbally or physically attacking staff who are there to provide healthcare.”

During a 12-month trial, CCTV will be installed in clinical and non-clinical areas in four major accident and emergency departments and some vehicles from one ambulance station.

Read full article: News Wales