WARNINGS have been issued to staff at a major Scottish hospital after two sex attacks in the building.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has confirmed that two women have been assaulted in the link corridor which joins the old and new sections of Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
The health board has increased security and union Unison has issued advice to its members to take safety precautions. These include carrying a mobile phone and informing people before walking around.
Police Scotland said a 27-year-old women was assaulted on Thursday, December 18 and a 24-year-old woman on Wednesday, January 14. It is not known if the two incidents are connected. Inquiries are continuing.
A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: "Security patrols have been increased at Glasgow Royal Infirmary after two separate reports over the past month of assaults against two female members staff.
"The hospital site is covered by extensive CCTV and all relevant footage from both incidents has been supplied to Police Scotland who are investigating.
"Our security staff already carry out patrols regularly over a 24/7 period but these have been increased.
"We have also advised all staff to remain vigilant.
"NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has a strict zero tolerance policy towards violence against our staff who are entitled to work free of threats, assaults and intimidation, and we take very seriously any act of physical or verbal abuse.
"All our staff deserve basic courtesy and respect and to be able to work without fear of intimidation, abuse or violence."
Unison Branch Secretary Cathy Miller said: "We have been in touch with the employers demanded extra security be put in place; that staff are given some basic information to help them stay safe at work and that local managers are pro active around staff safety when taking decisions.
"In the absence of any formal advice to staff Unison felt it was important that we let our members know that we are aware of the issue and are pressing for action.
"We would urge staff to be extra vigilant; where possible to travel to and from work with colleagues (and not alone); to report any suspicious behaviour to your line manager and local security and if appropriate to record any specific concerns about safety in the datex system."
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