Figures released by the NHS have revealed a rising number of assaults suffered by staff in hospitals.

Assaults at St George's Healthcare more than doubled last year to 141, while staff at Kingston Hospital were assaulted 35 times.

Official figures revealed 26 assaults in Kingston in 2012/13 involved medical factors, up from 19 the year before.

Total assaults rose from 27 in 2011/12.

The figures, released by NHS Protect, also show Kingston Hospital declared it had about 1,200 fewer members of staff last year, though its total NHS workforce was at a similar level.

The Epsom and St Helier trust recorded 74 assaults last year – down from 117 the year before.

St Helier accident and emergency nurse Anthony Boobbyer said: “Unfortunately, I have seen colleagues punched and kicked but they always remain calm.

“We tend to see more verbal abuse, which again is unpleasant and this tends to arise when patients are frustrated about their situation.”

The number of assaults on NHS staff rose across England last year.

The figures: Total assaults / Involving medical factors / Not involving medical factors

2013

  • Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals: 53 / 52 / 1
  • Croydon Health Services: 23 / 18 / 5
  • Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals: 74 / 46 / 28
  • Kingston Hospital: 35 / 26 / 9
  • St George's Healthcare: 141 / 100 / 41

2012

  • Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals: 64 / 62 / 2
  • Croydon Health Services: 64 / 64 / 0
  • Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals: 117 / 63 / 54
  • Kingston Hospital: 27 / 19 / 8
  • St George's Healthcare: 60 / 46 / 14