Security is being tightened at Kidderminster Hospital following a spate of vandalism and thefts which has left officials concerned about the safety of patients, visitors and staff.
Computers, television screens, handbags and mobile phones are among the items stolen.
Now police patrols have been increased in and around the hospital and health officials have introduced a new automatic door-lock system based on identity access cards.
The system is similar to those operating in Worcestershire Royal Hospital at Worcester and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, and only allows people with proper identification to reach different parts of the buildings on the complex.
Extra lighting and closed circuit television cameras are also being installed and trees and shrubs cut back to remove places where criminals might hide.
External doors are to be locked at night and only open to the public via an intercom and surveillance system. A car park attendant is also set to be recruited and police are being asked to step up patrols around the hospital perimeter.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust director of human resources Jeff Crawshaw says in a report to board members: “Unfortunately the hospital has been attracting an increasing number of unwanted visitors with the result of thefts and damage on the site.
“In response to this we are expanding the range of security measures to provide a safer and more secure environment for patients, visitors and staff.”
Sgt Nadine Pearse, from Kidderminster Police, said there had been a number of sneak-in thefts at the hospital during the year.
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