The sad thing is that this legislation is needed at all, on two counts: A) That violent idiots are drawn to the NHS. Maybe the NHS should just refuse to treat them. Let them drown on their own vomit. B) That legislation covering assults on any member of society, not just medical professionals, is not tough enough. Why should the emergency services be the only ones protected by law. There is absolutely no excuse for intentionally harming another human being.