By Kelly Ashmore
Copyright birminghammail
A hospital has been warned that a man ‘known to police’ could attempt to ‘pass themselves off as staff’. Walsall Manor Hospital sent an email to staff last week, urging them to be ‘vigilant’ and ‘challenge and request identification’ from anyone they did not recognise, or had concerns about. The email, from the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said police had ‘shared concerns’ that an ‘individual known to them’ may attempt to ‘access local hospitals while dressed in healthcare-style uniforms’. READ MORE: Contactless card limit change could give abusers ‘free access to drain accounts’ A description of the man – who it was feared ‘may try to pass himself off as a staff member’ – was given, stating he was ‘commonly seen’ wearing a green fleece, black trousers and a face mask. Staff were also told the white male, who was of a ‘large build’ with ‘short dark hair’, may wear lanyards displaying the NHS logo with a rainbow name badge labelled ‘care assistant’. The email said: “Please be extra vigilant, particularly if you see anyone unfamiliar in staff only or clinical area.” Colleagues were urged to ‘challenge and request identification’ from anyone they did not recognise, or had concerns about. They were also told to ‘be particularly alert to tailgating into secure areas’ and to ‘promptly escalate any concerns to security or the police’. The email concluded: “Your vigilance is essential in maintaining a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors and staff.” When approached for further comment, a spokesperson for The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, which works in partnership with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, referred BirminghamLive to West Midlands Police as it was ‘a police matter’. The force has been approached for further information. A spokesperson for University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust said they were ‘unaware’ of the information being circulated, while the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust did not respond when asked. Stay up-to-date by following our Twitter feed @birmingham_live or liking our Facebook page. To get breaking news emailed to you, sign up here , it’s free.
