Tackling incidents of violence, aggression and antisocial behaviour

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust has developed Sand implemented a strategy to reduce the number of incidents of violence, aggression and antisocial behaviour in its emergency department. The strategy, which includes the introduction of a nurse co-ordinator role and withdrawal of treatment from persistent offenders, has ensured the care environment is safer and calmer for patients and staff. This article discusses different aspects of the strategy and the ethics of withdrawing care from patients.