The bans last for a year

Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Derriford Hospital, has banned three individuals from receiving anything but emergency treatment at any of its sites.

The red and yellow card system was introduced last year in response to incidents of aggressive behaviour against staff.

The first red card was issued in Plymouth last month and two further cards have been issued since then, all three to aggressive visitors.

Special permission

The Trust says it has tried to be fairly lenient towards patients and visitors, but it takes acts of violence against its workforce very seriously.

Since the scheme was introduced a year ago, only four yellow cards have been issued.

These represent a warning, the final step before a red card is given, banning the patient or visitor for 12 months.

Anyone given a red card will be refused treatment except in emergencies, and even then they will be moved to another hospital afterwards.

They will also be forbidden from visiting the hospital without special permission.