POA warns of security danger at Broadmoor
Security at Broadmoor special hospital, which houses some of Britain's most dangerous criminals, is at "breaking point", according to a new report by the Prison Officers' Association.
The report - sent to Stephen Dorrell, Secretary of State for Health, a week ago - warns of a "dangerous" situation. Andy Gossage, who chairs the POA's special hospitals group, and the author of the report, said yesterday: "We're concerned about abuse of privileges by patients, dangerous staffing levels, the amount of staff leaving the job, and the amount of inexperienced staff coming into the job, which makes it dangerous."
The POA has asked Mr Dorrell - who has ordered an inquiry into paedophile allegations at Ashworth Special Hospital, Merseyside - also to investigate the problems at Broadmoor and England's other top security hospital, Rampton. But a Department of Health spokesman said there were no plans to do so.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies