INCIDENTS of assault were reported 34 times at Colchester Hospital within three months, the Gazette can reveal.

A Freedom of Information request has disclosed every crime reported to have taken place at the premises between April 1 and June 30.

The concerning figures also show two reports were made to the police about a man being raped at the site off Turner Road.

Chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust Nick Hulme said he takes a zero-tolerance approach to crime.

Here is a breakdown of all 70 crimes which were reported in the hospital between April 1 and June 30:

  • Incidents involving assault – 34
  • Incidents involving criminal damage – 9
  • Incidents which were racially aggravated – 5
  • Incidents of theft – 5
  • Incidents of harassment, alarm or distress – 4
  • Causing harassment, alarm or distress – 3
  • Rape of a male aged 16 and over – 2
  • Sexual assault on a male – 1
  • Threats to kill – 1
  • Threats to damage or destroy property – 1
  • Kidnapping or false imprisonment – 1
  • Possession of a bladed article – 1
  • Possession of a Class A drug – 1
  • Possession of cannabis – 1
  • Causing fear or provocation of violence - 1

What has the hospital said?

Reacting to the figures, Mr Hulme said the hospital trust will always look to prosecute people committing crimes where possible.

“We have a zero-tolerance approach towards any kind of crime or violence at ESNEFT,” he said.

Gazette: Zero tolerance - Nick HulmeZero tolerance - Nick Hulme (Image: Newsquest)

“We strongly encourage colleagues across the trust to report any incidents and we work closely with our partners, including the police, to protect and care for all our patients, visitors and staff.

“We will always attempt to prosecute anyone who wilfully commits a crime in our hospitals and grounds, while understanding in some cases they may occur because of a medical or clinical reason.”