PATIENTS in Darlington who abuse NHS staff are being warned to behave - or face the consequences.

One man has already been placed in "special measures" after assaulting a doctor and practice manager. Staff at another surgery had a plant pot hurled at them by an unruly patient.

Darlington Primary Care Trust (PCT) has set up a scheme to deal with violent and abusive patients away from GP surgeries, after the number of attacks grew nationally.

If members of the public are considered a threat and need medical help, they are given a telephone number to ring.

A doctor is contacted and will only see them in the PCT's headquarters at Doctor Piper House, in King Street, with a police escort if necessary.

They are only allowed to return to mainstream services after a review of their behaviour.

PCT primary care development manager, Marilyn Abbott, said: "Abusing staff simply will not be tolerated. They are there to do a job, which they do to the very best of their ability and often in difficult circumstances.

"If patients have an issue with staff they should feel free to take it up through official channels and it will be dealt with properly.

"Being violent and abusive will get you nowhere fast, except into trouble with the authorities."

NHS staff across the town often have to endure abuse from the public, ranging from verbal to physical.

Staff at Darlington's walk-in medical centre, in Doctor Piper House, are able to call upon permanent security guards who monitor the site.

In December 2003, the NHS Security Management System was formed to tackle the growing problem.

It has a special legal protection unit which works with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to secure private or criminal prosecutions against perpetrators.

Last year, the unit successfully obtained the first anti-social behaviour order against an abusive patient, preventing him entering any medical facility in the country.

In the latest crackdown, warnings have been posted in GP surgeries, the walk-in centre and the hospital reminding the public that abuse could lead to prosecution.