HOSPITALS seem likely to be a political battleground as the years roll by.
Constant cut-backs are alienating NHS workers and it seems inevitable that treatment delays will get worse in spite of government assurances to the contrary.
Meanwhile, violent attacks on hospital staff continue to increase.
A union official says assaults are “part and parcel” of working at the Royal Bolton Hospital.
Figures show that in 2010/11 there were 84 such incidents compared with 60 the year before.
Some of the perpetrators are naturally aggressive, but others are reacting to excess levels of alcohol and drugs or the effect of conditions such as dementia.
Hospital staff work wonders in spite of such challenges.
They deserve our full support.
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