24/7 patrols for Spanish Town Hospital

Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson has ordered round-the-clock police patrols on the grounds of the Spanish Town Hospital in St Catherine.

Nelson, who accompanied Health Minister Rudyard Spencer, issued the order yesterday after a tour of the facility where a doctor was recently robbed and beaten.

"We have implemented police patrols on the hospital compound, which will remain as long as they are deemed necessary," Nelson said.

"I will tell the criminals who continue to target the hospital that they will do so at their own peril."

The implementation of patrols was endorsed by the health minister, who told staff it was for the overall safety of the institution.

"I think that the police will make things better for us at the hospital, since last year, is two times criminals rob personnel," a staff member told The Gleaner.

Head of the St Catherine North Police Division, Senior Superintendent Anthony Castelle, said the police would be working with new arrangements set out by the ministry.

"We are going to do our best to bring a sense of security to those working there. We can't imagine a place where the sick are treated and being targeted by criminals," Castelle said.

Last Friday, about 2 a.m., a doctor on the compound was robbed by a gunman of cash and jewellery.

On July 17 last year, gunmen invaded the compound and robbed personnel of money and personal possessions.

The police in Spanish Town are investigating the most recent incident.

- Rasbert Turner