Almost a third of nurses are subjected to physical assaults or verbal abuse at least once a month

The figure for British nurses is the second highest among ten European countries, with only France having a higher rate.

Male nurses were targeted more often than their female workmates. Those on psychiatric, geriatric and emergency wards were at higher risk

Roz Hanson feared she would die after a patient stabbed her with a broken mirror.

The casualty nurse, who gave up a job in a building society to join the NHS, was stabbed in the arm while trying to treat the man for minor injuries.

As she broke free and tried to run away, he stabbed her again, this time in the back.

Mrs Hanson needed 29 stitches, including 18 in her back, and spent nearly two days as a patient in her own hospital.

in a job where you are caring for someone who you think has turned to you in their hour of need, it is the last thing you expect."