OFFICERS from the Metropolitan Police were visiting Bradford today to see how a scheme is helping to reduce incidents of violence against NHS staff.
A police community support officer (PCSO) has been based at Bradford Royal Infirmary each day between 8am and 11pm, to respond to any reports of criminal activity on the site.
The scheme, which began in July 2013, initially began as a 12-month project and was made permanent the following July.
After its first full year of operation the hospital reported a reduction in assaults on its staff.
The PCSOs are based in the Accident & Emergency department's police room and conduct joint, daily patrols with security officers, targeting areas with high reporting levels in an effort to stamp out any anti-social behaviour from patients and visitors.
Met officers are hopeful of introducing a similar scheme in Paddington Hospital.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here