Warning to NHS staff after sex attacks at hospital

WARNINGS have been issued to staff at a major hospital after two sex attacks in the building.

Police are investigating assaults on two women in the past month in the link corridor which joins the old and new sections of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Health board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has increased security and trade union Unison has issued advice to its members to take precautions. These include carrying a mobile phone and informing people before walking around the site.

A spokeswoman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “Security patrols have been increased at Glasgow Royal Infirmary after two separate reports over the past month of assaults against two female members of staff.

“The hospital site is covered by extensive CCTV and all relevant footage from both incidents has been supplied to Police Scotland who are investigating.

“Our security staff already carry out patrols regularly over a 24/7 period but these have been increased. We have also advised all staff to remain vigilant.”

The first woman is 27 years old and was targeted on Thursday December 18. The second, a 24-year-old, was approached this Wednesday.

It is not known if the two incidents are connected.

Cathy Miller, secretary for Unison in Glasgow, said in the wake of the assaults the union had demanded extra security on site and basic safety advice for staff.

Ms Miller added: “We would urge staff to be extra vigilant; where possible to travel to and from work with colleagues; to report any suspicious behaviour to their line manager and local security and if appropriate to record any specific concerns about safety in the Datex (logging) system.”

Earlier this month, it was revealed that NHS staff in Scotland had suffered more than 35,000 injuries at work over the past three years.