AMBULANCE managers have appointed a specialist officer to work with police investigating violent attacks on staff.

Bill Chilcott has been appointed by the South East Coast Ambulance Service as security management specialist.

Last year, there were 99 assaults on ambulance staff in the South East.

Mr Chilcott plans to set up new systems aimed at improving the security of staff and the service's buildings, as well as highlighting to both staff and patients how important a safe NHS is for them.

He said: "Over the years too many people have gone unpunished for their crimes against the NHS.

"The NHS should be a safe place to work and be treated, not a place for anti-social and criminal activity."