Violence caused three quarters of nurses and midwives' injuries

The figures released by NHS Scotland's Information Statistics Division revealed this was the cause of 68% of injuries sustained by staff at work.

Violence was blamed for more than three quarters of the injuries sustained by nurses and midwives while at work.

The figures also showed that absences among NHS staff rose slightly to 5.2% in the year to March.

The report revealed that 9.5% of all NHS staff in Scotland have had to take time off because they have been the victims of violence or aggression.

Greater protection

The problem was identified as being more acute among those working in frontline services.

Two thirds of staff absences among primary care staff, including those working in GP surgeries, are due to violence.

Unions have been demanding greater protection for NHS staff.

They want to see changes to the Scottish Executive's Emergency Workers' Bill, which is currently before the Scottish Parliament.

Scottish National Party health spokeswoman, Shona Robison, said: "It is very concerning that nearly 70% of occupational injuries are a result of violence and aggression.

We don't want to wait until an NHS workers dies before concrete action is taken Jim Devine Unison Scotland

"Another matter for concern is that the major reason for people calling in sick is due to violence and aggression in their workplace, and that is extremely worrying."

The Scottish Conservatives' justice spokeswoman, Annabel Goldie, said: "These figures are unacceptable.

"It is yet further proof of the executive's failings within the NHS, and puts even more pressure on the lengthening waiting lists with so much time lost due to violent attacks on staff whilst they are trying to do their jobs."

Unison Scotland said it was horrified at the statistics and has warned that the executive must act before a fatality occurs.

Organiser on Health, Jim Devine, said: "We don't want to wait until an NHS worker dies before concrete action is taken.

"These figures are horrific and it is time for the executive to put their plans into action and to clamp down on the present culture which appears to prevail in hospitals throughout the country where health workers are seen as figures of abuse by members of the public.