Hammer rampage leads to tighter security at New Craigs Hospital in Highland capital
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A HIGHLAND MSP has been reassured that NHS Highland is reviewing security measures at New Craigs Hospital after a man went on a rampage there armed with a hammer.
David Stewart, who represents the Highlands and Islands, wrote to the organisation following the incident last year but it hit the headlines again last week when the case was brought to court in Inverness.
Duncan MacLaren (28), whose address was given as HMP Inverness, but who is from the Aviemore area, will be sentenced next month after he admitted acting in a threatening and abusive manner on October 27 last year.
He went on the rampage at New Craigs after his girlfriend, who had been a patient there, killed herself.
Last week Inverness Sheriff Court heard he walked into the mental health hospital armed with the hammer and smashed up an office before threatening to kill members of staff.
Mr Stewart said the health authority told him a number of actions had been agreed, including an independent review of the site security which was due to take place last month.
“I was very concerned about this incident and wrote to NHS Highland at the time,” he said. “I do hope that security is now tightened to protect staff there.
“I was shocked when I read details of the incident in the media this week. Everyone has a right to feel safe and secure at work.
“I believe that interim measures were brought in in the aftermath and, according to NHS Highland, these are working well.”
NHS Highland told Mr Stewart that NHS managers were now part of an authority group looking at security.
Replacement of CCTV, with a digital link to Raigmore security staff, was to be costed and digital images shared with police.
Paul Hawkins, NHS Highland chief executive, said: “Whatever the circumstances, violence and aggression against our staff will not be tolerated. NHS Highland is reviewing security for access to our facilities as a result of this case.”
