Both An Garda Síochána and the HSE have officially launched Hospital Watch at Sligo University Hospital.
The initiative, launched this morning, is a proactive crime prevention programme in hospital settings.
Similar to the residential Neighbourhood Watch scheme, Hospital Watch operates as a partnership between An Garda Síochána in Sligo, the HSE, Saolta University Health Care Group, Sligo University Hospital staff, patients and visitors with the aim of preventing crime within the hospital setting.
It’s estimated that nearly 1,800 staff, 220,000 patients and many visitors come through the doors of Sligo University Hospital every year and in a statement, Deputy Hospital Manager Ms Georgina Kilcoyne says they are absolutely committed to promoting crime prevention across the entire hospital campus.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken Sligo/Leitrim Division says the initiative aims to:
• Prevent crime, in particular the fear of crime
• Promote crime prevention awareness among hospital staff and service users
• Facilitate engagement, partnership and problem solving with hospital staff
• Keep hospital staff and patients safe.”
