NHS Lanarkshire and Strathclyde Police have embarked on a new pilot initiative.



Over the next three months a dedicated police liaison officer, PC David Clark, will be located at Monklands Hospital.



PC Clark said: "I will be the police liaison for everyone within the hospital community and I'm looking forward to my new role and helping to resolve any issues where possible."



“Sadly in the past the hospital has been subject to criminal activity. Although these are mainly minor crimes, the creation of the pilot enables us to link in and liaise with staff to make them more crime reduction aware.



“I am very proud to be working on this initiative and hope that, with help from staff, patients and visitors, we can reduce crime and support the community that work at or visit the hospital.”



The pilot scheme, which launched at Monklands Hospital in February, aims to make the hospital a safer place for patients, visitors and staff.



PC David Clark will be highly visible across the whole site will carry out regular patrols around the hospital.  He will also be a point of contact for hospital staff to assist wards and departments.



Rhona Roberton, general manager for Monklands Hospital, said:  “We are delighted to take part in this scheme.  We are fully supportive of anything that we can do to make our hospital a safer place.”



"I'm sure it will promote safety and provide reassurance for staff, patients and visitors alike as well as building a closer working relationship between ourselves and the police."



The pilot aims to increase awareness of security, protect people and property and strengthen links between the hospital and the local neighbourhood policing team.



The arrangement will also improve police response times and reduce the number of calls to the local police office.



PC Clark will work with staff to improve working practices, promote community safety within the hospital and provide information on crime prevention and detection.



Sergeant Laura MacKay, who helped set up the pilot scheme, said: “It's really important to us to be as close as possible to the communities we serve.



"This pilot will be beneficial for all parties involved. As well as improving security awareness and crime prevention, it will enhance the working relationships between the hospital and Strathclyde Police.”