Violence up in county hospitals

Violent attacks and crime at Shropshire's two main hospitals have soared by more than a third over the last three years, it was revealed today." class="imageframe imgalignright" height="92" src="http://www.shropshirestar.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/hospital-corridoor.thumbnail.jpg" width="175"/>Violent attacks and crime at Shropshire's two main hospitals have soared by more than a third over the last three years, it was revealed today.

There were 397 security "incidents" at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and The Princess Royal Hospital in Telford last year, a new report says.

And out of last year's total, 257 related to violence and aggression - suggesting that violence could be a growing problem.

Other incidents include criminal damage, theft, vandalism and vehicle crime.

The new figures are contained in the annual security report being presented to the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust board on Thursday.

It reveals that 299 incidents happened the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal sites in 2005-06 and during 2006-07 they increased to 376. Last year that figure increased further.

The report says the NHS staff survey places the trust in the top 20 per cent of "most affected" trusts in England in relation to staff experiencing violence, harassment or bullying from patients or relatives.

The report only presents data for the first quarter of this current year - April, May and June - during which time there were 70 such incidents recorded, compared to 49 during the same months of 2007-08.

There were 52 occasions last year where police assistance or attendance was sought, of which 25 were incidents involving "intentional" violence and aggression towards staff by patients or visitors.

The report says: "Violence and aggression remain key issues. The trust remains steadfast in its resolve that violence or abusive behaviour will not be tolerated, and the trust continues to direct its efforts at measures to reduce the risk and impact of such occurrences.

"Existing security operations and facilities are being scrutinised for efficiency and potential development. Where gaps, or vulnerabilities, exist work is under way to develop robust but financially viable solutions."

The report also adds that the introduction of uniformed guards at the two sites has been seen as a positive move towards tackling the number of growing security issues.

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris