Health watchdogs have called on hospital bosses and police chiefs to consider bringing back a police base at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The recommendation comes in a report to a meeting tonight of Bradford Community Health Council following a visit by watchdog members to four orthopaedic wards at the infirmary.

It comes amid growing concern about attacks on hospital staff and patients mainly in casualty units across the country which have led to a number of new measures to improve security in hospitals in both Bradford and Airedale while a community policeman is now based at the Royal Halifax Infirmary.

Report co-author Barrie Scholfield said it was time for the police and the hospital to look at setting up a permanent presence.

There were sometimes difficulties with patients admitted with drink or drug problems leading to awkward situations for patients and staff on wards.

Officers on site could not only respond to disturbances but also act as a deterrent.

"The police presence has been removed and although they do patrol regularly there is no police station there as there used to be," he said.

"Going there regularly isn't quite the same as having dedicated police on board."

A Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust spokesman said a number of improvements had been made to security since the visit and bosses would be prepared to discuss any concerns the CHC had.

Among new measures were a hotline to police from casualty, extra security cameras and an additional security guard bringing to three the number on duty at night on top of a zero-tolerance policy to violence.

Police had also agreed to visit the hospital sites more regularly to target all forms of crime.

"Bradford hospitals take security very seriously and everything is done to safeguard patients, visitors and staff in the face of increasing verbal and physical abuse," said the spokesman.

Sergeant Roy Wensley, of Toller Lane police, said regular discussions about security took place.

The infirmary was treated as a priority and response times to incidents were very quick.

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