There has been a drop in the number of acts of violence against hospital staff in Bradford, new figures reveal.

Statistics published yesterday by NHS Protect, the organisation formerly known as NHS Security Management Service, show the number of assaults on NHS staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospitals fell from 129 in 2009/10 to 94 in 2010/11.

This year’s figures break down into 81 unintentional assaults (where medical factors were involved) while 13 were categorised as intentional.

Karon Snape, the Foundation Trust’s security management specialist, said: “These figures are a step in the right direction, but the hard work of protecting our staff against assaults and violence continues.

“We want patients and the public to understand that we have a zero tolerance approach to violence and aggression and while our security staff deal with the majority of incidents, we will involve the police when necessary.”

The Foundation Trust carries out regular violence and aggression risk assessments to identify hotspots and then put in place support to reduce the number of incidents in these areas.

Staff also receive conflict resolution training, where they are taught de-escalation techniques and to recognise the warning signs in people displaying violent and aggressive behaviour.

“While the Accident and Emergency department remains a flashpoint for violence and aggression, having a police station on-site is acting as a good deterrent,” said Mrs Snape.

“NHS staff who suffer violence or abuse can be confident that action will be taken against those who have committed assaults.”

The figures show Bradford District Care Trust has seen a reduction in the number of reported incidents against staff for the third year in a row.