MORE than 2,400 NHS staff were assaulted in Greater Manchester last year, new figures show.

They were among 55,993 who suffered attacks nationally in 2007/08 - a rise of 284 on the previous year's statistics.

More than half of assaults happened in the region's mental health trusts, but 119 took place in primary care trusts.

The biggest rise nationally was against staff working in NHS acute and foundation trusts. There were 178 attacks against workers at the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

Workers at the North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust suffered 234.

Data from the NHS Security Management Service (SMS) also showed a rise in the number of sanctions, including anti-social behaviour orders, against people who attack NHS staff.

But trade union leaders have called for tougher action against offenders.

Unison's Stephanie Thomas said: "The catalogue of assaults is shameful. I fear the all-night drinking culture and a lack of respect is fuelling violence against paramedics, nurses and health staff who need to be given the protection they deserve."

She said the number of prosecutions was 'pitifully low' and the union would like to see them doubled, with tougher penalties for the guilty.

The figures showed thousands of attacks nationally in mental health and learning disability trusts, although total figures were down 1,635 on the previous year.

The biggest national rise was in NHS acute and foundation trusts, with.10,983 assaults in 2007/08, up 1,298 in a year.

Richard Hampton, head of SMS, said: "The SMS has made educating staff about the importance of reporting all assaults a top priority, because nothing can be done unless they are reported. This increase shows people are now confident that action will be taken."