Police Community Support Officers have joined forces with hospital security staff to protect doctors, nurses and patients from abuse.

Last year there were hundreds of incidents of assaults, threats and verbal abuse against staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

But a pilot project, which has PCSOs based at the hospital and patrolling with security officers, is making a difference, say police.

The 12-month scheme, which began in July, aims to lower incidents of violence and aggression against NHS staff and enhance patient safety.

New figures show that, in the first two months of the scheme, there were 80 incidents reported to police – less than half the number reported in the same two months of 2012, which totalled 162.

A PCSO is based on the Duckworth Lane hospital site between 8am and 11pm, seven days a week, to respond to any reports of criminal activity.

As well as providing reassurance for patients, staff and visitors in the form of a police presence, the PCSOs alert the hospital’s round-the-clock security team to any crime or security risks.

Inspector Richard Baildon, who leads the Manningham and Toller Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re amazed at the positive effect of this arrangement and are really hopeful of this becoming a permanent fixture.

"In times of austerity, and cuts to the policing budget, it’s good to show people that there are some things we can do which we’ve not tried before.” The PCSOs are based in the Accident and Emergency department’s police room.

They conduct daily patrols with security officers, targeting high-incident areas.

In 2012/13 there were 469 incidents linked to physical assaults, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse against Bradford Teaching Hospitals’ staff.

BRI assistant general manager Karon Snape, said: “One crime committed at the BRI is one too many as far as I am concerned.

“The safety of our patients and staff is paramount and neither should have to tolerate inappropriate behaviour or criminal activity while working or being treated in our hospitals.

“Our continued close working relationship with West Yorkshire Police and our zero-tolerance approach should lead to reductions in crime over the next year.”