Police 'first' for hospital

The station is proposed for Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

Plans for what is believed to be Scotland's first police station inside a hospital are set to come under the microscope in Aberdeen.

Grampian Police Board will consider proposals to site a station inside Aberdeen Royal Infirmary at a meeting on Friday.

However, there have been claims that the proposals have more to do with saving money than improving hospital security.

The plan to create a police sub-office inside the hospital is contained in a report from Grampian chief constable Andrew Brown.

Andrew Brown is recommending the move

He notes that the infirmary is "the largest single site hospital complex in Europe" - being visited by thousands of people every day.

Mr Brown believes that a proposed police office on the hospital's main corridor would act as a deterrent to criminals - although its stressed that security will remain the responsibility of hospital security staff.

The chief constable hopes to save money by closing an existing police box nearby and relocating four community police officers to the infirmary site.

In his report, Mr Brown says: "The board has previously endorsed the force's policy of seeking to establish partnership agreements which provide advantages for the community and offer service improvements and lower costs for Grampian Police.

'Substantial benefits'

"The opportunity now presented at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary is a significant step towards consolidating this policy.

"It provides substantial benefits to Grampian Police, the local communities and those working in, or visiting, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary."

The hospital authorities have agreed to the proposal.

And if the board also gives it the green light the hospital would lease the space to the police for 12 years - at just £1-per-year.