Stab-proof vests and personal alarms are being rolled out in WA’s public hospitals to increase protection for staff from violent patients.

The measures come after more than 11,000 violent and aggressive incidents were reported during 2016/17.

Health Minister Roger Cook on Sunday announced $2.2 million would be allocated in the forthcoming 2018/19 budget to improve the safety of frontline staff and security at risk from increasing violence and aggression in the health system.

“The provision of protective equipment … is an unfortunate but necessary precaution given the levels of violence and aggression being reported across our health system,” Mr Cook said.

Violence and threats were especially common in emergency departments, Mr Cook added.

Staff have a right to feel safe in their workplace, he said.

The state government will purchase about 2500 mobile duress alarms and 250 stab vests over the next three years to help reduce the risk of health worker injuries during home visits and in remote nursing posts.

Further protective equipment will be rolled out at high-risk sites after 2018/19, following an assessment of their security needs.

-AAP