PATIENTS who launch violent or verbal attacks towards hospital staff, patients and visitors could be refused non-emergency treatment.

Increasing levels of violence and abuse towards staff across the Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust, including Royal Lancaster Infirmary, have prompted the action.

It has been widened to include visitors who cause trouble - penalties could include being banned from the hospital or having visiting times restricted.

Members were expected to endorse the new policy at a Trust board meeting yesterday (Wednesday) as the Citizen went to press.

The planned system uses yellow and red 'cards' and will see adult patients who are aggressive or abusive given two verbal warnings before the card system applies.

This involves a formal written warning and notes of their behaviour being included on their patient record for a year.

The hospital would have to make alternative care arrangements for anyone 'red-carded'.

They would still be treated and stabilised if admitted through accident and emergency. If necessary, police would attend and the patient taken to another hospital.

The trust also warns that anyone behaving unlawfully will be reported to police and the trust will press for maximum penalties.

Behaviour covered by the policy includes loud or intrusive conversation, threatening or abusive language, swearing, racial or sexual remarks, malicious allegations against staff, offensive gestures or behaviour, abusing alcohol or drugs, damage, theft, threatening behaviour and violence.

Jon Lenney, the trust's director of human resources, says in a report: "There has been an increase in recent years in the level of violence and abuse toward staff, visitors and patients. Incidents have included injury to staff, damage to equipment and property, verbal abuse and threats.

"Sadly, some of the perpetrators are well known to staff and have persisted in these behaviours during repeated visits to our hospitals."