Now they struggle on, usually with inadequate back-up, in a hostile and complex world which presents tough enough challenges even for those totally in control of their own minds. The zero tolerance being talked about needs to be tempered with compassion. By all means get tough with the aggressive yobs who deliberately intimidate and attack medical personnel. They know what they re doing and should be prosecuted and punished severely enough to send out a strong message to others tempted to behave in a similar way. Forget yellow and red cards.
Immediate action is called for.
But those who, for medical reasons beyond their control, are driven to behave violently need help of the sort that can probably only come either from in-patient care in a clinic or psychiatric hospital or from close support and supervision in the outside world. That, and the much tougher security measures needed to protect NHS staff, will cost money. Gimmicks aren t enough. Someone may be looking for you right now. Click here to investigate.