Staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn were given a unique opportunity to find out about what security is available to them at a special drop-in advice day.

Staff at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn were given a unique opportunity to find out about what security is available to them at a special drop-in advice day.

Police officers, the hospital's security manager and Temporary Chief Insp Carl Edwards were on hand yesterday to give staff information about a range of issues, from attacks by patients, domestic violence, race crimes and how to improve personal safety.

The event had been organised by Norfolk police and Gary Morris, the hospital's full-time security manager, who have been working closely to make the hospital a safer place for the 2,500 staff.

Officers from the domestic- violence unit were available to chat to staff about a range of issues which they may face, either at home or in the workplace.

Race crime was on the agenda as the hospital has a multi-cultural staff.

Temporary Chief Insp Edwards said violence against staff was also a high policing priority and they were doing all they could to cut attacks.

He said the police had been working closely with the security manager in a bid to deal with incidents against staff.

He added: "There are good people who work in the health service who should not have to put up with violence.

"We want to encourage people to report any incidents of abuse and there will be a proactive response from the police. We are committed to dealing with this."

Mr Morris has been employed at the hospital since May and has been working towards making the hospital a safer place.

His advice can be anything from how to deal with any conflict, criminal damage or property theft.

Mr Morris said he had seen an increase in the number of incidents being reported and said he had been delighted with the support he had received from the police.

As well as the drop-in centre, staff also had the chance to have their bikes security marked.

There are also plans to hold defence classes for staff.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the advice from the domestic-violence unit can either call the main police number on 0845 456 4567 or leave a message on the unit's answerphone on 01553 665035.