Patients who attack or abuse their doctors in Bristol will have to attend surgeries at a local police station from September.

They will only be seen in a specially-equipped room with an alarm.

The scheme has been prompted by between 30 and 40 attacks on GPs in the area each year.

It will allow people who have been removed from doctors' lists for violent or abusive behaviour to receive GP care.

The plan has been devised after consultations with the police, doctors and the community health council.

Doctor's list

Julie Cooper, from Avon Health Authority which is co-ordinating the project, said: "Violence will not be tolerated.

"But because there has been violence or the threat of violence does not mean these people will continue to re-offend.

"It does not mean they will continue to be violent."

She said the authority decided on the project because the police station provided a secure place where patients could continue to be seen.

Patients who have been removed from a doctor's list will be seen by a GP practice specially recruited for the project.

Special arrangements

They will be able to phone for an appointment at twice-weekly surgeries being held at Bridewell police station.

If they need urgent care, doctors will make special arrangements to see them.

The Bristol scheme is believed to be the first of its kind in the region.

It follows legislation two years ago, which removed the obligation on health authorities to provide patients with the most local GP if they have a history of violent or abusive behaviour.