HEALTH chiefs in the region will consider withholding treatment from violent and abusive patients.

They have pledged to take "decisive action" to protect staff from violence and intimidation, problems that have come under intense scrutiny recently.

A report on behalf of six North-East primary care trusts (PCTs) outlines the steps being taken to provide a safe environment for employees and patients.

It said: "There will be occasions when the rights of staff will need to be balanced against the right of patients to receive care."

The trusts said refusing to treat disruptive patients was a last resort, but would be used if needed.

The move is part of a Violence, Aggression and Abuse Policy being adopted by Darlington, Derwentside, Dur-ham and Chester-le-Street, Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield PCTs.

Health and safety advisor Keith Charlton, who helped draw up the plans, said more than 300 employees would be trained, at a cost of £8,000, to deal with threatening situations.

His report said: "The protection of PCT staff from violence and aggressive incidents is paramount and will not be compromised.

"The withholding or withdrawing of medical treatment is the suspension of the right to healthcare.

"It should be time-limited and should include an assessment of the risk from the abuser and those being abused."

In a recent British Medical Association survey of 3,000 doctors, half said violence at work was a growing problem.

As part of the PCTs' policy, notices will be displayed in doctors' surgeries explaining what constitutes unacceptable conduct and the consequences of not adhering to the rules.

The files of patients whose behaviour is considered violent could also be marked with a warning.

It would be subject to review after six months, but the patient should be informed of the marker and have the right to appeal against it.