HOSPITALS have been given Government backing to refuse to treat violent, drunk or abusive patients over the New Year period.

It comes after bosses at Middlesbrough General Hospital revealed yesterday they are investigating a violent incident against a member of staff in the accident and emergency department at Christmas.

They declined to give details about the attack until the investigation is completed.

Under guidelines to protect staff, NHS managers have the right to withhold treatment as a last resort when patients are responsible for their actions.

Yesterday, Health Minister John Hutton said: "Alcohol misuse is a particular problem for hospital accident and emergency departments, but NHS staff have the right to work without fear of violence.

"Violent and drunken behaviour towards doctors, nurses and all staff will not be tolerated. Hospitals have the right to withdraw treatment in these cases."

John Arthurs, directorate manager for accident and emergency and general medicine at North Durham Healthcare NHS Trust said: "There are incidents in the accident and emergency department, usually related to alcohol or, possibly, drugs.

"We try to defuse the situation. If the worst comes to the worst, the police are called."

Barbara Carr, clinical nurse manager of North Tees and Hartlepool General Hospitals, said: "There have been incidents of verbal abuse over the Christmas period. It is sad to say it is becoming the norm.

"If we have patients waiting a long time to be seen then some do become agitated and we try to keep patients informed about why there's a time delay and how long it's going to be for."

The University Hospital of North Durham has security guards and CCTV cameras, while Hartlepool and North Tees hospitals have police officers in the accident and emergency departments on New Year's Eve.