THE A&E department at the Royal Blackburn Hospital has seen a dramatic rise in patient numbers in recent years. Staff deal with many different health problems and illnesses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The department, like every other A&E across the country, sees its fair share of drunk and abusive people coming through the doors, especially at weekends after the pubs and clubs have shut.

The Royal Blackburn Hospital, however, has the highest rates in the country for staff being harassed, bullied or abused.

Now two specially-trained officers are set to be based permanently in the emergency department from next week. Some people may see this as a bit excessive and a waste of public money. Others will argue that having officers actually stationed in the hospital will help reduce crime and allow staff to get on with the job of treating people.

The message from NHS, union bosses and police is clear: hospital A&E departments do not want to put people off coming who need treatment. But there are alternatives to A&E departments such as urgent care centres, GP surgeries and walk-in health centres.

These officers will help staff identify frequent visitors who can benefit from other services. And staff will feel safer knowing there is a police officer nearby if someone gets violent.