HEALTH bosses have express-ed concern about patient attacks following a staff survey.

Sixteen per cent of staff working for Hambleton and Richmondshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) have experienced physical abuse from patients in the past year, according to the study.

Bosses say they are concerned by the figure, which they called, "unacceptable".

The survey also found that despite 74 per cent of staff working extra hours, most were satisfied with their jobs and rated highly the quality of senior management.

The results of the survey put the PCT in the best 20 per cent nationally for the number of staff experiencing harassment, bullying or abuse from co-workers, support from supervisors and the number of workers intending to leave their jobs.

Director of human resources, Amanda Heward, said: "We are concerned that some staff are still working extra hours, and although the picture has improved since last year we need to give this area further attention.

"We are also concerned at the unacceptable levels of violence. A further area which the Healthcare Commission wants us to concentrate on is around team work.

"We are delighted with the overall results of the survey, which show improvements in several key areas since last year, including appraisal and training and support from supervisors.

"We are particularly pleased that staff are well satisfied with their jobs and believe that they have good work and home life balance with opportunities for flexible working.

"Our workforce is very committed and highly motivated, and this is so important to give the quality of care for which we are recognised."

The survey was carried out last October by the Healthcare Commission, which promotes improvements in the quality of healthcare and public health. Questionnaires were sent to almost 600 of the PCT's 900 eligible staff.

Its aim was to gather information that would help PCT to provide better care for patients and improve the working lives of the people who provide the care.

It contained questions about team working, health and safety, errors and incidents, management and supervision and harassment, bullying and violence.

* Detailed findings from the survey are available at www.healthcarecommission.org.uk