Abuse of hospital staff has prompted the Hawke's Bay District Health Board to increase its security presence and install more CCTV cameras.
DHB chief executive Keriana Brooking said the district health board had a zero tolerance to violence and verbal threats and would trespass visitors who were abusive to staff.
She said staff who work for the DHB, or in any other healthcare setting in Hawke's Bay, should not have to face abuse, intimidation or violence of any kind at work.
"Over the holiday period we have staff working 24/7, caring for people when they need medical and life saving treatment. Staff give up time with their families so they can be there with you when you need them. We understand it can be a scary time for people ending up in hospital, but our staff deserve to be treated with respect at all times."
Brooking said abusive patients will be asked to sign a contract with the DHB and sign-up to behave while they are cared for, otherwise they will be discharged as soon as they are medically fit to leave.
