A security review is being held at Christchurch hospital where almost 1200 staff have been physically assaulted by patients in the past two years.
Last financial year, 670 staff were assaulted and almost 280 were verbally abused or threatened.
Already this financial year, there have been almost 530 assaults and more than 310 instances of abuse or threats.
The Hospital Medical Staff Association says the abuse is mainly fueled by alcohol or drugs.
Chairman Ruth Spearing says the Government needs to address the country's alcohol problem.
