Crime prevention programme launched at Portlaoise Hospital
Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise
PORTLAOISE Hospital has launched a Hospital Watch crime prevention programme.
Similar to a residential Neighbourhood Watch scheme, it operates in partnership between An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, all patients, staff and visitors.
Director of Nursing at the hospital Olivia Lafferty and Garda Sergeant Orla Nolan from the Community Policing Unit launched the initiative with staff and public information and engagement stands.
Ms Lafferty said: “Hospitals are unique locations and consequently face some distinctive security problems. Crime committed in such an environment can be very traumatic for patients, visitors and staff and every effort needs to be made to prevent and reduce this.”
She said the hospital, “is not just a hospital but a community with over 1,000 staff across many different disciplines, in-patients, out-patients and day-case patients - not to mention the many visitors who come through our doors every day. As a hospital, we are committed to this programme and to reducing crime and fear of crime in our hospital environment.”
Sergeant Nolan said: “Hospital Watch is a crime prevention programme which embodies the principles of partnership, problem solving, engagement and crime prevention. By engaging in this programme, we aim to reduce crime and fear of crime in a hospital environment. Promote crime prevention awareness among hospital staff and service users and facilitate engagement, partnership and problem solving with hospital staff.”
Hospital management is asking all patients, staff and visitors to take responsibility for your personal safety and property. If you notice anything suspicious report it immediately to hospital personnel or the gardaí. Always respect the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, patients, visitors and service users.
They also advise people to always be aware of your surroundings. Always use well-lit areas and avoid dark/isolated locations when coming to and from the hospital. Do not get involved in other people’s disputes. Hospital personnel or the Gardaí will deal with these situations.
In taking steps to prevent crime that ask: - Have you secured/locked your vehicle? Have you left any property on view in your vehicle? If a secure locker has been provided to you, use it. Do not leave your valuables unattended. Record your phone IMEI number. This can be obtained by dialling *#06#. Exercise caution when accessing open WiFi connections, particularly for internet banking and/or other sensitive online activities.
