Readers panel: Will seeking samples from patients who bite or spit at nurses make a bad situation worse?

Draft legislation designed to protect emergency workers from assault includes proposals to take blood and saliva samples from people who have bitten or spat at nurses. Those who refuse could be fined up to £500. The RCN has questioned whether it is ethical or practical to take samples from people who already feel threatened or may be confused or unconscious. Nursing Standard readers have their say.