UNIONS in Merseyside are calling for action after figures for violent attacks on NHS staff have been released.

More than one in seven staff working for the mental health trust the 5 Boroughs Partnership have been assaulted in the past year and more than one in 10 at Merseycare NHS Trust.

Between them, the trusts provide mental healthcare for people in Merseyside, Halton and Warrington.

Statistics for many of the region’s hospitals are lower, and some trusts in other areas of the country have much worse figures.

Stephanie Thomas, Unison North West head of health, said: “The catalogue of assaults is shameful.

“Health care workers are four times more likely to be the victims of assault than any other workers.”

Steve Morgan, assistant chief executive for Mersey Care NHS Trust, said: “The trust has endeavoured to make the working environment safer.”

Latest figures show there were 482 assaults on its staff in 2007-2008, which is 160 less than 2006-2007.

A spokesperson for 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Trust added: “Much has been done to improve the security of our staff.”