The son of TV doctor Hilary Jones was threatened with a knife while working as a doctor for the NHS, the well-known medical professional has revealed.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine on Monday, Jones, 72, shared an example of abuse aimed at NHS staff with the story about his doctor son.

Chatting to Lorraine Kelly stand-in host Ranvir Singh, he explained: “He was conducting a GP surgery and a patient leans over the desk with a knife – threatening him with a knife.

“He dealt with it really well, he’s fine but this is not an isolated incident. One in six NHS workers in England have been abused physically, attacked physically.”

He went on to detail: “One in 10 ambulance staff, 10 percent of nurses have been sexually harassed by visitors or patients and it’s something that has to stop. It’s basically an abuse of the NHS.”

Singh responded: “I’m glad it turned out well for him and that he had the presence of mind to handle that.”

“Well he’s six foot five – that helps,” Jones quipped. He recently added: “My son is a GP and he was attacked by someone wielding a knife. He’s fine, but he’s not alone.”

Speaking to the Express, he added: “I would certainly crack down much harder on people who abuse the NHS. Doctors and nurses on the whole are very forgiving if they get assaulted.”

Lorraine Kelly’s self-titled chat show is set to undergo some changes along with other ITV shows, the result of cost-cutting moves.

Lorraine will soon be reduced from its current hour-long format to just 30 minutes, running from 9.30am to 10am.

The programme will also air for only 30 weeks annually rather than year-round. Good Morning Britain will extend by 30 minutes, cutting into Lorraine’s traditional 9am start time.

In a further blow, ITV is also thought to have axed the key production role of Head of Lorraine. Two producers will now report directly to This Morning bosses instead.

A show source told The Sun in July that the team were “gutted” by the changes, adding: “They can’t understand why ITV would want to dismantle such a successful rating-busting programme. It’s a great shame.”

The source revealed that “despite the apparent slight in the ITV daytime shake-up, Lorraine’s loyal fanbase isn’t to be underestimated and they will follow her wherever she goes”.

They added: “She’s survived in this business a long time and she’s a master at rolling with the punches.”

The insider suggested the changes at ITV have prompted Kelly to explore new opportunities.

“This latest shake-up and slimming-down of Lorraine’s dedicated team casts further doubt on the long-term future of the show after her contract finishes next year,” they said.

“She’s opening her eyes up to the many options available to her.”

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The source emphasised Channel 4’s enthusiasm for securing the veteran presenter for their new travel programme.