Sadly, he is one of hundreds of NHS workers across Wearside and Durham assaulted amid a rising tide of violence.
Nearly 130 people were prosecuted last year for assaulting NHS staff across the North region.
At hospitals in Sunderland there were 153 physical attacks on staff in 2005/06 – compared to 124 the previous year – a shocking one in every 33 workers was a victim.
Staff at the former South of Tyne and Wearside Mental Health NHS Trust – which runs Ryhope's Cherry Knowle Hospital – suffered 654 assaults, up from 480 in 2004/05.
Dr Richard Wheatley has worked in A&E at Sunderland Royal for two years and was attacked by a patient in his care.
He said: "I was punched in the face. The episode led to a court case and compensation was paid out. I have also been butted and had a few people try and swing punches at me.
"I would like to see more prosecutions taking place and I think that's the way we are now starting to head.
"A lot of what is happening is either drink or substance related, but yobbish behaviour can happen at any time of the day or night."
Hospital bosses have condemned attacks on staff and, in the run-up to Christmas, they have warned visitors about drinking too much and increasing the risk of violence.
A City Hospitals spokesman said: "We support all staff absolutely in reporting incidents and will help them in pursuing their cases with the police and if necessary to the courts to see they get justice.
"We will not tolerate violence and abuse and would ask the people of Sunderland to respect the work of the trust and the right of our staff to receive reasonable behaviour from patients and relatives when they are receiving treatment."
He added: "As Christmas and party-time approaches, staff would particularly ask anyone who visits the site to ensure they have not drunk too much.
"Alcohol is one of the main reasons for hospital admissions, especially at weekends. It causes accidents and aggressive behaviour and upsets and frightens staff and other patients. Please don't expect other people to pick up the pieces."
Figures, released by the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS), showed there were 58,695 physical assaults against health service staff in England, 1,690 fewer than in 2004/5.
Nationally, there was a 12 per cent increase in the number of prosecutions, from 759 to 850.
Health Minister Rosie Winterton said: "It's totally unacceptable that NHS staff should face violence and aggression in the course of their job."


Other attacks in the North East

A MALE hospital patient approached a female nurse in a threatening manner while under the influence of alcohol. A male doctor came to assist his colleague, but the patient punched him on right side of his face. Attacker arrested and found guilty of common assault and given a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £100 compensation and £50 court costs.

A FEMALE hospital patient became verbally aggressive accusing staff of stealing her money. Patient accused security guards of manhandling her, which they hadn't. Became physically aggressive and abusive and struck a staff member in the chest.
She was given six months Community Punishment Order, ordered to pay £75 compensation to victim and £34 costs.


Assaults on NHS staff

City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust:
2005/06: 153 assaults. Total staff: 5,163
2004/05: 124 assaults. Total staff: 5,237

County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals:
2005/06: 47 assaults. Total staff: 6,169
2004/05: 97 assaults. Total staff: 5,966

County Durham and Darlington Priority Services (mental health):
2005/06: 809 assaults. Total staff: 2,015
2004/05: 464 assaults. Total staff: 1,921

Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust:
2005/06: 4 assaults. Total staff: 1,171
2004/05: 5 assaults. Total staff: 1,030

Easington Primary Care Trust:
2005/06: 1 assault. Total staff: 833
2004/05: 0 assaults. Total staff: 723

South of Tyne and Wearside Mental Health Trust:
2005/06: 654 assaults. Total staff: 2,062
2004/05: 480 assaults. Total staff: 1,950

South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust:
2005/06: 49 assaults. Total staff: 2,371
2004/05: 19 assaults. Total staff: 2,450

South Tyneside Primary Care Trust:
2005/06: 0 assaults. Total staff: 1,150
2004/05: 0 assaults. Total staff: 1,157

Sunderland Teaching Primary Care Trust:
2005/06: 7 assaults. Total staff: 1,785
2004/05: 3 assaults. Total staff: 1,619