INSTANT fines for trouble-makers at the Royal Bolton Hospital's A&E department have been hailed a success by trust bosses.
A national pilot scheme was launched three months ago and is now to be continued.
It came in to help protect staff who are routinely spat at, sworn at, threatened, and sometimes even attacked while doing their job.
Police and medical staff say the £80 fines have helped change the culture inside the A&E department.
Eight people have been issued with the fines, or Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) since the scheme began in November.
Chief Inspector Martin Greenhalgh of Greater Manchester Police said: "This scheme has sent out a very clear message that any type of disruptive or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and the results of such can be serious for the offender."
See Wednesday's edition of The Bolton News for more reaction.
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