A new police office within the Leicester Royal Infirmary is now open to the public.
The office, within the entrance of the Balmoral Building, will house the neighbourhood policing team that covers the hospital, Leicester College, De Montfort University and surrounding areas.
Sgt Jim Hatton, who leads the team said: “We have been working hard with staff at the hospital to secure an office within such a busy location. We are available for members of the public to speak to about crime prevention advice, or if anyone wants to report something to the Police, they can speak to us directly.
“Our presence has already had a positive effect; only a few days ago we were in a position to respond to an assault on a member of staff by a patient. We arrived within a couple of minutes and were able to arrest somebody.
“We appreciate being allowed to use the facilities here and would like to thank staff at the hospital for their help and support.”
Nigel Bond, security management specialist at Leicester’s Hospitals, said: “The opening of the police office puts the hospital’s neighbourhood policing team in the heart of their community. It has given staff, patients and visitors a reassuring presence and has significantly reduced response times.
“I have been greatly impressed by the commitment of Sgt Hatton and his team and we are already reaping the benefits of having the police based on site.”
