§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department about measures to protect NHS staff from assault. [137933]
§ Mr. DenhamOur campaign to tackle violence against NHS staff, the "NHS zero tolerance zone", has been developed by the Department working with colleagues in the Home Office, Lord Chancellor's Department and in the Crown Prosecution Service.
This cross-Government approach is also reflected in the new national sentencing guidelines which were issued to magistrates courts in September for a wide range of offences. The guidelines now include as aggravating factors, to be taken into account when sentencing, whether the offence occurred in hospital or medical premises and whether the victim was serving the public.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has also met recently with the Home Secretary and other Ministers to discuss the role of the National Health Service in local crime and disorder reduction partnerships.