Safety probe after intruder found on ward
From the Times today.By Estelle Marais West Middlesex Hospital is to review its security procedures and conduct a full investigation after an intruder was found on a children's ward last week. Simon Anderson, who spotted the intruder and confronted him on the evening of Wednesday, January 11, has appealed to those visiting patients on Starlight ward to heed safety notices and not allow strangers to pass through security doors. Mr Anderson was visiting his nine-year-old daughter, Shivon, who is having treatment for leukaemia, when the security breach happened. He said: "It was about 9pm when I spotted a strange looking young man walking around the ward looking into the rooms. "At first I thought he was looking for the toilet or kitchen, but then he came into Shivon's room, stood, looked, and walked up to the day unit, then walked down with a fire extinguisher out of the security door." Mr Anderson reported the man's behaviour to a nurse and together the pair followed him to a nearby lift. He said: "I asked him why he had the extinguisher and he said there was a fire, but he didn't know where it was. "Then I asked why he was on the children's ward he said he was looking for his friend. I questioned him further and he said he didn't speak English, and got in the lift. The nurse then called security who caught him, and he was led away by police." The doors leading to West Mid's Starlight ward are constantly locked, for security reasons, and in order to enter, visitors are required to be buzzed in by a member of staff. However, Mr Anderson claimed visitors often ignore the security notices in place and allow others in when they leave the ward. Mr Anderson said: "There were babies in rooms on their own in the ward, and I dread to think what could have happened. "We parents and visitors to the children's ward should be more careful, and stick to the rules of the ward by not allowing people in. "We should leave that to staff, for the children's safety." A spokesman for West Middlesex Hospital said: "The Trust can confirm that last week an intruder did gain access to our children's ward. "Staff reacted immediately to his presence and security personnel were called to remove him from the ward. "A full investigation is now being carried out by the Trust into this breach of security and CCTV footage is currently being reviewed." He added: "We take the issue of security very seriously, particularly where children and babies are involved. "Access to the children's ward is restricted and controlled by a door entry system. The ward, along with the majority of the hospital, is covered by CCTV cameras. We treat any breach of security as extremely serious. "Following this incident, we are reviewing our procedures and working with staff and visitors to ensure they are aware of the practices in place."
Simon Anderson ● 7060d17 Comments