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On October 4, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin met with North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board representatives at Ysbyty Gwynedd to review a newly installed CCTV system designed to enhance patient safety.
The state-of-the-art CCTV system, installed on two lampposts at the hospital entrance, was implemented to address concerns about vulnerable patients leaving the hospital premises unexpectedly. Previously, when such incidents occurred, police had limited information about patients' whereabouts, potentially putting them at risk.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), North Wales Police (NWP), Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), and Gwynedd Council. The council, as the Local Authority, maintains the footage, which can be accessed by NWP upon an emergency call from the hospital staff.
The project was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, which contributed £6,000 following an application process. NWP Area Inspector Ian Roberts, who was also present during the Commissioner's visit, submitted the application highlighting the project's alignment with the Commissioner's 2021-2024 Police and Crime Plan and its potential for significant community impact.
The meeting at Ysbyty Gwynedd was also attended by BCUHB Deputy Head of Safety Michael McGee, Ysbyty Gwynedd Emergency Department Matron Lynn Roberts, and BCUHB Directorate General Manager for Emergency Care Sian Gruffydd.
Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin stated, "This new CCTV system represents a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable individuals in our community. By working together with our partners, we've created a solution meets the need for swift action in emergencies.
“This initiative not only enhances our response capabilities but also provides peace of mind to healthcare workers and families of vulnerable patients. I'm pleased that my office has been able to fund this important project"
NWP Area Inspector Ian Roberts commented: "The installation of this CCTV system fills a crucial gap in our ability to respond quickly and effectively when vulnerable patients leave the hospital. This technology will undoubtedly save time in locating individuals who may be at risk."
Paul Andrew, Director of Operations for the West Integrated Health Community at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “We are really pleased to have worked collaboratively with Gwynedd Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and North Wales Police on this initiative over the last 12 months.
“This is a huge step forward and will hugely improve patient and staff safety for us here at Ysbyty Gwynedd.”