HOSPITAL staff at York’s Emergency Department were spat at, sworn at, and violently attacked by drunks who filled the department on the first Saturday in December.

The hospital said staff faced appalling behaviour from drunken people and one worker was punched and mauled, all amongst other patients including children and frail elderly people.

Medical Director Dr Alastair Turnbull said: “It is both disrupting and upsetting for other patients and staff when people come to the department in this state and behave in this way.

"The hospital is here to help everyone but we expect and ask patients to behave responsibly and considerately. It is in the interests of all that alcohol is consumed sensibly, but sadly the consequences of harmful drinking are significant for individuals, their families and the NHS.”

City of York Council’s Director of Health and Wellbeing Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones said he was shocked by what happened in the Emergency Department and urged people to take responsibility for their drunken behaviour.

He said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy Christmas and often this does include drinking alcohol, but I would urge people to take some personal responsibility for staying safe and protecting the NHS services we all pay for.”

Now the hospital and the council are pleading with people to drink responsibly to avoid another weekend of chaos. Drinkers should pace themselves and know their limits; alternate alcohol with soft drinks; plan their way home and never drink drive, or drive the day after a night’s drinking, they said.