Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore relaunches Hospital Watch: proactive crime prevention programme in partnership with An Garda Síochána
20th October 2023: Today, Friday 20th October the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore (MRHT) relaunched Hospital Watch, a proactive crime prevention programme in hospital settings. Similar to a residential Neighbourhood Watch scheme, Hospital Watch operates as a partnership between An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, staff, patients and visitors with the aim of preventing crime within the hospital setting.
Catriona Mc Donald, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, The Hospital Watch Committee Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, and representatives of An Garda Síochána launched the initiative this morning with an informative display in the hospital main foyer to promote the programme.
Catriona Mc Donald, General Manager, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore sais “As we begin to move into Winter season and the dark evenings in particular, it is essential that we do what we can to ensure our campus is a safe space for all users. Tullamore Hospital is not just a hospital but a community with over 1,450 staff across many different disciplines, in-patients, out-patients and day case patients - not to mention the many visitors who come through our doors every day. As a hospital, we are committed to this programme and this is evident in the Hospital Watch Group who have been heavily involved in getting the project off the ground, with the support received throughout the hospital.”
Louisea Burke, Director of Nursing, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore commented: ‘Our MRHT Hospital Watch Committee is working closely with Tullamore Gardaí as we continue to engage about keeping staff, patients and those that use the hospital campus safe. Plans are underway to ensure we are making the hospital crime free for all colleagues and the patients that we care for. We are delighted to further strengthen our community engagement and partner with An Garda Síochána on this important work'.
Garda Sergeant William Kirwin, stated: “Hospital Watch is a crime prevention programme which embodies the principles of partnership, problem solving, engagement and crime prevention. By engaging in this programme, we aim to:
- Prevent crime, in particular the fear of crime
- Promote crime prevention awareness among hospital staff and service users
- Facilitate engagement, partnership and problem solving with hospital staff
Photo Caption: Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore management and Hospital Watch Committee members with representatives of An Garda Síochána on Wednesday, Friday 20th October relaunching Hospital Watch, a proactive crime prevention programme in partnership with An Garda Síochána.
