POLICE officers are to be stationed at the Royal Bolton Hospital in a bid to combat attacks on staff and patients.

A police base will be opened at the hospital's accident and emergency unit next week.

The base has been created at a cost of £15,000 in the waiting room. It will provide officers with a facility in which they can conduct interviews, take statements and monitor hospital security.

Health staff and local police chiefs approved the idea after a Commission for Health Improvement report highlighted the hospital's casualty unit as having a high number of serious attacks.

The base will be the first of its kind to be introduced at a hospital in Greater Manchester. It has been jointly funded by Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust.

Both police and hospital chiefs today praised the scheme.

Supt Don Brown said a heightened police presence at the hospital could only help boost security.

He said: "We welcome this opportunity to have an input at the Royal Bolton Hospital. It will enhance our presence and visibility in a place used by hundreds of people on a daily basis."

The Royal Bolton Hospital has already taken steps to strengthen its security. A high-profile publicity campaign warning of a zero tolerance approach to attacks on staff was launched last year.

The hospital first employed security guards in 1995 and CCTV security cameras and doorway security pads have also been introduced.

Beverley Andrew, Director of Operations for Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We are very pleased that this room will be available.

"It will mean an increase in support for existing security measures as well as giving officers a base for other work. It will also be very reassuring for staff and patients."

A ribbon-cutting opening ceremony will be held in the Accident and Emergency department on Tuesday.