The level of violence has become unacceptable in the place where many people would least expect it - hospitals.

Many hospital accident and emergency wards are dangerous places, especially after closing time on Saturday nights.

Drunks and drug addicts often attack staff and other patients for no apparent reason and this can be extremely frightening.

Now Worthing Hospital has started a policy of zero tolerance towards violence in the accident and emergency department or in wards.

Anyone who creates trouble will be taken out of the building and in many cases arrested.

The message should soon get home.

Then hospitals can resume their role as a place for treating injuries rather than where they are caused.