FOR too long hard working hospital staff have been subject to anti-social behaviour and general abuse - often from the very people they are trying to help.

Sadly what happens in the Accident and Emergency department of the hospital is just a microcosm of what is happening throughout society.

There seems to be a general breakdown of all kinds of social mores and manners and caring staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital get the brunt of it.

Police have maintained patrols at the hospital for the last few months and claim that the instant fines of £80 levied on those causing trouble has helped change the culture inside the department for the better.

No doubt this is true but anyone who has ever ventured into A&E knows that it needs more than the eight fines the police say they have issued since November.

We hope many more instant fines are handed out to those who are the most abusive - but sadly we doubt it will stop the rot.