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New legal protections for NHS staff against nuisance and disruptive behaviour in hospitals have come into force in Wales.

The new rules give the police and NHS officers the power to remove people from health settings for behaviour including verbal abuse, obstructing corridors, creating excessive noise, and preventing staff from carrying out their duties.

However, the powers do not apply to patients seeking medical advice, treatment or care for themselves.

Those causing problems, or refusing to leave when asked by staff or police, and are not on the premises to receive medical care themselves, could be affected by the powers.

The new powers come under the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, and are designed to protect staff, patients and visitors, the Welsh Government said.

It will also give police the power to remove anyone suspected of causing disruption, using reasonable force if necessary.

The Welsh Government has worked with the Anti-Violence Collaborative, police forces, Crown Prosecution Service, NHS Wales organisations, and trade unions to introduce the new rules.

A recent staff survey carried out by the NHS revealed a drop in the number of staff feeling safe from abuse by patients and the public – falling from 83.6% to 74.8%.

Discussing the new rules, Wales; health secretary, Jeremy Miles, said: “These powers strengthen protections for our NHS staff and help ensure that our hospitals and healthcare settings remain safe for staff and patients where care can flourish.

“This is about safety, dignity and supporting the workforce. It does not criminalise people seeking care – it ensures that staff can do their jobs free from fear and people can receive treatment in calm, secure environments.

“Today’s action sends a strong, positive signal: in Wales we stand with our NHS workforce.”

Jonathan Webb, chair of the Anti-Violence Collaborative, said: “This represents a further milestone in the collaboration between health services and the criminal justice sector in responding to incidents of violent behaviour exhibited by a minority of service users.

“It empowers NHS staff to take appropriate action when confronted with unacceptable behaviour and provides an effective resolution to deal with incidents that do occur.

“We hope that this further reduces the number of incidents of violence and aggression seen in NHS Wales.”