§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many assaults were committed on(a) doctors and (b) other staff in GP's surgeries in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [15467]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation on assaults against general practitioners or other primary care staff is not collected nationally. However in 2000–01, 988 patients were de-registered from their GPs' lists because of violent behaviour. We deplore violence towards any healthcare worker and in 1999 launched the "NHS zero tolerance zone" campaign to reduce the risks of its occurrence. This campaign continues.