LOCAL MSP Michelle Ballantyne has raised her concerns over the growing number of assaults on NHS Borders staff at Holyrood.

We revealed last month that almost three attacks on local nurses, doctors and health visitors are recorded every day in the region.

Our report highlighted that 937 incidents of assault on NHS Borders staff were recorded during a 12-month period up to the start of last August.

Now Ms Ballantyne, who is a Conservative South of Scotland List MSP, has raised the issue during questions in the Scottish Parliament.

She stated: "I want to ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle the reported rising number of assaults on NHS staff in the Borders, in light of figures that show almost three assaults were recorded every day between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017?"

Nurses and midwives, doctors, specialists, porters, health visitors, managers and even catering staff all came in for some form of physical or verbal attack during the 12-month period of recording.

Car Parking attendants, clerical workers and security staff were also on the receiving end.

Exactly 500 physical attacks by patients were recorded between August 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017.

There were 263 instances of verbal aggression by patients and 67 acts of verbal abuse by 'others'.

Of the 937 incidents recorded during the 12 months, 333 happened within mental health units, 348 in primary, acute and community departments, and 68 were in the region's community hospitals.

In response to Ms Ballantyne's question, cabinet secretary for Health, Shona Robison MSP said: "Any violence or aggression against NHS Scotland staff is unacceptable and we have policies in place to provide a continuously improving and safe working environment.

"We encourage NHS Scotland boards to commit to supporting appropriate action, including pursuing criminal prosecution where appropriate, against anyone who assaults a staff member.

"Specific legislation is in place to protect clinical staff working both in our hospitals and in the community from harm.

"NHS Borders has advised that they have robust and effective local incident reporting procedures supported by regular training and daily safety briefings for staff.

"NHS Borders has confirmed they take any form of aggression against their staff very seriously and the Board will take all steps necessary to protect staff and pursue issues with the appropriate authorities."