Lib Dems Welcome Hospital U-turn on Police Posts

5.04.49pm GMT Thu 1st Feb 2007

Cornwall's five Liberal Democrat MPs today expressed support for the saving of the two Police posts at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. The posts were due to be scrapped after an announcement last December, but in a surprise reverse decision, their contract has been renewed for another year.

Andrew George said: "Security of staff and patients is vital - attacks on nurses and other staff, both inside and around hospitals, has been at an all-time high, and I am therefore pleased that as a responsible employer, the trust has come to its senses on this one. I only hope that they will now extend this approach to the staff and patients at West Cornwall hospital."

Dan Rogerson said: "Clearly it's extremely welcome that the Trust has seen sense and kept these officers on. By definition, time in hospital is a time of trauma and high emotion. Both patients and staff will be reassured that any abusive behaviour can be dealt with swiftly."