Increased security at Thornford Park Hospital following patient's escape
ADDITIONAL fencing is set to be installed at Thornford Park Hospital as part of a security overhaul after one of its patients escaped from the Crookham Common site in July.
John Maguire, a medium risk psychiatric patient, used knotted bed sheets to scale the 5.2 metre fence before being arrested four days later at Birmingham New Street train station.
The proposals for a new section of 5.2 metre fencing is one several steps the hospital is taking to beef up its security.
Following the escape, it said that all medium risk patients will now be supervised by a member of staff while out in the grounds of the site.
It will also operate a system which will see linen which is provided to patients numbered and monitored to ensure they are unable to collect enough to potentially escape.
Extra CCTV cameras and additional lighting will be installed and it will also continue to carry out external perimeter patrols eight times a day.
In addition to the new section of fencing, the hospital has also applied for a new gate and vehicle lock – which would be located at the existing car park access to the lodge.
The new gates will be 5.2 metres and will adjoin the proposed new fence of the same height.
Also proposed is the repositioning of a pedestrian access ramp to provide easy access to the lodge.
In the application, the hospital said that the plans were being progressed following a general review of security arrangements at the site, adding that the proposals have been supported by NHS England.
Last month, a spokeswoman for Thornford Park Hospital told the Newbury Weekly News: “We have reviewed the circumstances surrounding this matter including examining internal systems to ensure all lessons are learned.
“We have worked closely with NHS England in this review and have further enhanced our security as a result.”
Earlier this year, as reported by the NWN, West Berkshire Council approved controversial plans to build a new Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) housing high-risk patients at the site, despite safety concerns from local residents and councillors.
A 3.2 metre fence will be erected outside the PICU – two metres smaller than the current 5.2 metre fence which Mr Maguire managed to escape from.
