Hawke's Bay District Health Board says it will not tolerate violence towards staff and patients and will issue offenders with trespass notices.
DHB acting chief executive Warwick Frater says in 2008 more than 100 violent incidents were reported - a situation he describes as appalling.
Mr Frater says he has lost patience with the degree of violence towards staff who are just trying to do their best for patients - often in demanding situations.
Mr Frater says the DHB will be putting up zero tolerance posters up throughout the hospital informing visitors that if they break the rules, trespass notices will be issued.
