'Malicious' fire alarms putting patients in danger

Bosses at Thornton Medical Centre say patient safety is being put at risk.

Police have been called in to investigate the ‘malicious’ incidents in which glass in a fire alarm panel close to the entrance of the building has been smashed.

The Thornton Practice is one of two based at the Church Road site. Practice Manager Amy Sissons was clear about the disruption being caused.

She said: “This is the

second time in two weeks we have had to order a full evacuation of the building because the fire alarm has been triggered.

“Not only does this cause a major inconvenience for our staff and patients, but on one occasion we also called the fire brigade out so this is a huge waste of their time.

“People visiting the medical centre may already be experiencing high levels of stress and all of this simply makes it worse.

“We have CCTV cameras at the practice but unfortunately we have not been able to identify the people responsible.

“However we will be increasing the number of cameras we have and will make sure they point towards the fire alarm.

“If anyone does have any information we would urge them to contact the police as the safety of our patients is being put at risk.”

In a post on Facebook practice bosses criticised the youths for making life even more difficult in the aftermath of the NHS cyber attack crisis.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incidents which have been passed to the neighbourhood team.

Anyone with information should call 1010 quoting log 965 of May 18.