One in three doctors attacked - BMA

One in 10 have been physically attacked, such as being stabbed, kicked, punched, bitten and spat on. Of these doctors, one in three suffered minor injuries but one in 20 were seriously injured.

A total of 591 doctors from England, Scotland and Wales responded to the British Medical Association's (BMA) survey on violence in the workplace in the last year.

Most doctors who were attacked did not tell the authorities, which suggests under-reporting but also an increasing acceptance of violence, according to the study.

The reason most cited for the attacks was patients being dissatisfied with the service, including frustration with waiting times and being refused medication.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, head of the BMA, said: "These are worrying figures - both in terms of the potential numbers involved and the fact that so few doctors tend to report violence.

"We hope that this is not because they feel the problem is not being taken seriously."

Female doctors were more likely to experience violence in the workplace than males (37% compared with 27%) and junior doctors were the most likely to experience violence, followed by GPs.

Almost two-thirds of psychiatrists said violence in their workplace was a problem, compared with just a fifth of surgeons.

The Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, currently going through Parliament, contains proposals to tackle nuisance behaviour on NHS hospital premises. The BMA is seeking an amendment to the Bill so that GP premises are also covered.