By Graeme Strachan

NHS TAYSIDE yesterday announced plans to improve security at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, as two men were jailed for incidents of assault and theft at the hospital.

More CCTV cameras have been installed across the site, with more than 100 more planned for the near future.

Security attendants, trained to deal with violent or aggressive incidents, controlled entry systems, and electronic lockdowns to non-public areas have also been put in place to ensure patient and visitor safety.

Better lighting for areas outside the hospital building and en route to car parks is also in the pipeline.

Yesterday’s announcement comes as two men were jailed for incidents at the hospital.

A man who shouted and swore at staff in the A&E Department while he was under the influence of drink was jailed for six months yesterday by Sheriff Richard Davidson, while a second man was jailed for 12 months for an attempted mugging at one of the hospital’s car parks.

NHS Tayside and Tayside Police are working together to prevent criminal activity.

Tayside Police’s divisional crime prevention officer Colin Brough said, “Since my involvement began with Ninewells Hospital, I have been very impressed with the work done by NHS Tayside and, in particular, Ninewells site manager Brian Main on the crime reduction front.

“The level of crime at Ninewells was never actually as bad as was often portrayed, given the fact that the population of a fair sized town went through its doors on a daily basis —nonetheless, the occasional break-in and thefts of both hospital and personal property was a worry.

“The implementation of controlled entry systems, lockdowns to non-public areas, security patrols and the extensive CCTV coverage now in place mean that crime has fallen dramatically and the hospital is a much safer place for patients, visitors and staff alike.

“Although there are still a few incidents, the security measures in place have led to the people responsible being quickly identified and brought to justice.”

Ninewells’ site manager Brian Main said the hospital’s approach to tackling crime is working better than ever, and claimed that incidents occurring on-site were “at an all-time low.”

“However, there’s always more we can be doing, so we’re continually reviewing procedures and looking at ways in which we can make the hospital a more secure environment,” he said.

“We’re increasing more preventative measures.

“Rather than simply finding out there’s been a break-in or a crime has occurred, it’s better for us if we can stop it happening in the first place.”

Mr Main said an ID access badge system is proving very effective and is in operation across all NHS Tayside sites.