'Hospital Watch' initiative to be 'revisited' at Portlaoise Hospital

The Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise is to look at a ‘Hospital Watch’ initiative underway in Tullamore. 

Laois Offaly Gardai recently met with hospital staff based in Tullamore in a bid to prevent crime with the ‘Hospital Watch’ initiative, which is similar in operation to Neighbourhood Watch.

Gardai held a meeting with staff at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore to discuss crime prevention within the hospital setting. 

“Tullamore Gardaí with staff and management of Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore met this morning to engage about keeping staff, patients and those that use the hospital campus safe,” Garda said. 

“Similar to the residential Neighbourhood Watch scheme, Hospital Watch operates as a partnership between An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and Tullamore Hospital staff, patients and visitors with the aim of preventing crime within the hospital setting,” gardai explained.

A spokesperson for the HSE didn’t rule out introducing the 'Hospital Watch' system in Portlaoise. 

“Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise currently provides contracted security services on the hospital campus and liaise with An Garda Síochána as appropriate. The ‘Hospital Watch’ initiative is due to be revisited as part of the Hospital’s future planning,” the spokesperson said.