In January our security team were called to an incident where a patient was found to be in possession of a knife. The patient, who was attending the emergency department at Conquest Hospital, was apprehended by our security guards and the knife was removed. The police were called and attended the scene.
Last month, the patient was convicted and sentenced to a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, £80 fine, deprivation of the knife, £80 costs and £114 to the victim surcharge fund.
Adam Oxley, Trust Security Advisor, said: “We understand that coming into hospital can be a difficult and upsetting time, however there is no excuse for endangering the safety of our colleagues who are working hard to help you.
“This conviction is the culmination of a long process and I’m grateful to the members of our security team who have worked painstakingly with Sussex Police over the last several months.
“No one should come to work in fear of violence and aggression and our priority will always be to keep our colleagues safe.”