THE introduction of a 'red card' scheme in Wales to crack down on violence towards hospital staff was due to be discussed at a Cardiff meeting today.

The Argus is campaigning for the scheme, which is already in operation in England, to be brought to Wales.

The scheme, which allows hospitals to ban violent and aggressive patients for up to a year, has already been adopted in England.

The occupational health and health and safety committee, which includes representatives of the NHS trusts and unions like Unison and the Royal College of Nursing, were due to receive a report on the matter today.

Health Minister Jane Hutt ordered an urgent review of staff safety in June after the Argus asked why the red card system being adopted in England was not being introduced in Wales. Conservative AMs backed our call, arguing that if the system was good enough for England, then Welsh NHS staff deserved the same level of protection, but the Argus has learned that the three-month review has not yet been completed.