abstract: Violent times: director of nursing and midwifery at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust Shirley Richardson (right) raises the growing problem of violent and aggressive patients during a visit by RCN president Sylvia Denton. Initiatives at the trust, said to be among the most 'proactive' in the country, include the introduction of closed circuit TV, electronic doors, personal alarms for staff and an on-site community beat police officer. But some staff believe that levels of violence will increase with the new licensing laws that came into force last month to allow round-the-clock drinking.