Police to be based at Larbert hospital

Police have a permanent base at Forth Valley Royal Hospital for the first time.
The A&E department at Forth Valley Royal can attract trouble makersThe A&E department at Forth Valley Royal can attract trouble makers
The A&E department at Forth Valley Royal can attract trouble makers

Under a new partnership with NHS Forth Valley and Police Scotland, officers now have their own office at the £300 million showpiece facility in Larbert.

The move has been welcomed by hospital bosses whose staff are often faced with aggressive patients, particularly in its A&E department.

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NHS Forth Valley medical director Tracey Gillies said: “This joint working will not only make it far quicker and easier for police to gather statements, but reassure our staff and the thousands of patients and visitors who attend the hospital every day.”

The scheme, which also involves similar arrangements with the Scottish Prison Service at Polmont Young Offenders Institution, Glenochil and Cornton Vale jails, is designed to deliver a high profile police presence that will reassure the public, discourage crime and deal promptly with law breakers.

Superintendent Kenny Macleod from Falkirk Police Station claimed: “This initiative will have many benefits and addresses inequalities with officers working in partnership with NHS and SPS staff to make our communities safer, make ourselves more accessible to more people and provide a visible police presence at each of these busy locations.

“This is an excellent example of national organisations working together for a common purpose. Police Scotland is committed to the continual improvement of the level of service we provide.”