Hospital Watch
A Hospital Watch scheme is up and running in Chelmsford.
The scheme, which launched at Broomfield Hospital in November 2011,
aims to make the hospital a safer place for patients, visitors and
staff.
Hospital Watch was created by PCSO Jonathan McDonald who is the
first Essex Police liaison officer working directly with the
hospital and the Linden and Crystal Centres.
He decided to launch the scheme with the support of
representatives from hospital management, Essex Watch and the
Linden and Crystal Centres following reports of criminal damage and
thefts from vehicles in the car parks.
Hospital Watch aims to increase awareness of security, protect
people and property and strengthen links between the hospitals and
local neighbourhood policing team by encouraging everyone who
visits the hospital to be an extra pair of eyes and ears for the
police and security team.
PCSO McDonald regularly patrols the hospital site but is asking
everyone who spends time there, especially staff, to make sure they
lock their car doors and windows and avoid leaving bags, purses or
wallets on display either on car seats or inside the building.
Visitors are also being encouraged to report suspicious
behaviour to security or police.
PCSO McDonald said: “Sadly in the past the hospital has been
subject to criminal activity. Although these are relatively minor
crimes in comparison to other incidents, the creation of the watch
enables us to link in and liaise with staff to make them more crime
reduction aware. In turn this helps us to reduce crime on the
hospital site.
“I am very proud to be launching this initiative and hope that,
with help from our partners, we can reduce crime and support the
community that work at or visit the hospital.”
Brenda Cross, Essex Watch Administrator for Essex Police, is
fully supportive of Hospital Watch. She said: "The formation of
Hospital Watch is beneficial for all parties involved. As well as
improving security awareness and crime prevention, it will enhance
the working relationships between the hospital and Essex
Police.”
Leanne Wilson, safety and security manager at Broomfield
Hospital, said:” We are delighted to be part of the Hospital Watch
scheme. We are fully supportive of anything that we can do to
make our Hospital a safer place for patients, staff and
visitors.”