NHS Tayside staff have launched a Respect Us campaign, aimed at tackling abusive behaviour towards staff.

The campaign responds to the 2017 NHS Scotland Dignity at Work survey which reported that those of Tayside staff who responded, 30% had experienced verbal abuse from a patient or a visitor.

Of the respondents, 10% had also experienced physical abuse from a patient or a visitor.

NHS Tayside chief executive, Lesley McLay, said: "We are committed to providing a safe working environment for all staff members and this campaign reminds patients and visitors that our staff are here to help and physical or verbal abuse is unacceptable and can lead to prosecution.

"We take each and every incident extremely seriously as it is a fundamental right of our staff that they can carry out their duties without having to face any kind of violence or the threat of violence.

"Staff are actively encouraged to report all episodes, no matter how minor, on our electronic incident reporting system.

"We are guided by Police Scotland when acting on incidents but NHS Tayside is committed to investigating cases and reinforcing staff safety."

Constable Liam McLean said: "NHS staff do their upmost to provide the best care possible to patients and are respectful to all members of the public.

"All members of staff should receive the same respect in return and not have to face any sort of physical or mental abuse when carrying out their duties.

"Police Scotland treat any report of violence or threats very seriously and the last place this should be tolerated is in a care environment."