§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures have been taken to enhance security at the Royal Alexandra hospital in Paisley in the last six months; what further proposals will be implemented; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe measures taken recently have been
- — Security sub-committee established in January
- — Report produced in February on improvements to be carried out
- — Access to service corridors restricted from February
- — All Staff sent a memorandum in February
- — Meetings with Strathclyde police on crime prevention in May
- — Each induction programme for new staff includes security session with local police
- — Discussions with firm of security consultants during May
- — Extra digital locks fitted to a number of internal and external doors
- — Video cameras recording 24-hour period in respect of car park
- — Full-time car park attendant appointed
- — An extra portering round during evenings
Further measures in the process of being implemented are
- — Staff identification system to be introduced in July
- — Alarms for all doors leading to fire escapes to be fitted
- — Locks for additional external doors
- — Formal instruction to staff that misuse of fire doors is a disciplinary offence
- — Further exhortation to staff to be vigilant at all times
These measures build on a range of security improvements which the local management has initiated over the past two years. The position is being kept under constant review and further steps will be taken if appropriate. The health board has assured me that all practical measures are being taken to ensure the security of patients, visitors and staff without being excessively restrictive.