MORE than 200 staff at the hospital trust which runs Fairfield Hospital were attacked by patients, according to new statistics.

Figures released by NHS Protect revealed there were 209 assaults across Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which also runs North Manchester General, Rochdale Infirmary and Royal Oldham hospitals, from April 1 last year to March this year.

Of the 209 incidents, 162 were said to have been committed by people who did not know what they were doing because of medical reasons, or did not know what they were doing was wrong because of their illness.

The latest figure represents a decrease since the same period in 2012-13, when 251 assaults were recorded.

In addition, 177 assaults were recorded in the same period in 2011-12, and 208 reported in the same period in 2010-11.

Richard Hampton, head of external engagement and services at NHS Protect, said: "No NHS staff should be physically assaulted and we encourage staff who are victims of violence to press charges against assailants.

"Those who work in the NHS have the right to provide care in a safe environment. Employers must do all they can to support staff in preventing incidents and pursuing offenders."

Christina McAnea, head of health at trade union Unison which represents health workers, described figures which showed an 8.7 per cent national rise in the total reported assaults to 68,683 in 2013-14 as "shocking".

She said: "The cuts and pressure on the service have caused growing patient frustration but no staff should be assaulted or feel unsafe at work.

"This is unfair on staff who do their best to care for patients and their families when they're at their most vulnerable.

"There can be no excuse for abusing or assaulting staff and all incidents should be taken very seriously. Sadly, violence on NHS premises often go unreported and many workers are left to suffer in silence.

"The NHS must do its best to provide a safe working environment. Both employers and the police need to take these incidents seriously particularly in mental health premises where we expect full support and cooperation to guarantee the safety and security of staff."