Police call-outs to Airedale Hospital are on the increase, according to figures obtained by the Telegraph & Argus under the Freedom of Information Act.

The statistics reveal police were called to attend the hospital in Steeton, near Keighley, 150 times in 2008; 156 times in 2009 and 185 times in 2010.

Christine Miles, Director of Operations at Airedale NHS Foundation Trusts, said: “Our own statistics show that we dealt with a similar number of incidents each year over the last three years. We understand the details from West Yorkshire Police relate to the site and not just Airedale General Hospital and are likely to include police attendances for Bradford District Care Trust, who have premises within our hospital grounds, as well as Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.”

Simon Long, head of operations at Bradford District Care Trust, said: “We actively take part in the ‘Police and Mental Health Partnership Group’ to discuss and plan situations which may require police assistance, this includes both non-urgent and urgent requests.

“We have developed a joint procedure with the Police should their assistance be required. On the rare occurrence that we might require police involvement it would be to request their professional support and expertise.”