Police and hospitals face big Bank Holiday security test
Police and hospital staff are preparing for their biggest test since the country's terror alert was raised to its highest point.
Armed and unarmed officers will be out in force over the Bank Holiday weekend with thousands of people flocking to the region for Birmingham Pride and Lichfield Bower.
Meanwhile hospitals have been warned to ensure staffing levels are high as a precaution to another terror attack in wake of Monday's suicide blast in Manchester that killed 22 people and left dozens seriously injured.
Security at the Staffordshire County Show, which starts on Wednesday, is to be tightened, it has already been announced.
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West Midlands Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Alex Murray said: “Birmingham plays host to Pride this weekend and we’re expecting tens of thousands of visitors to the city.
“This is an annual event with a parade, music and festivities which are enjoyed by many.
“I appreciate that people planning to attend may feel a sense of nervousness – I would like to take this opportunity to give you some reassurance that a full policing operation is in place and is subject to ongoing reviews.
“We will have a large number of police officers, specials and police staff on hand to keep the public safe –this isn’t only for the Pride event, but also for anyone visiting the city to enjoy all it has to offer.”
Birmingham Pride starts at midday today with a huge carnival parade in Birmingham city centre.
The celebrations continue tomorrow.
Lichfield Bower takes place on Monday with a procession through the cathedral city and a party in Beacon Park.
Chris Moran, NHS England's national clinical director for trauma, has issued a letter to 27 major trauma teams across the country, which includes the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Birmingham Children's Hospital.
All staff have been urged to have easy access to their major incident plan, as well as instructing them to carry identification at all times.
They were also asked to ensure they knew what to do in case the hospital is in 'lock down', and review their meeting point should such an incident occurs.
The letter read: "You will be aware that we have a bank holiday weekend approaching.
"There are a number of things that all trauma units and major trauma centres can do to prepare for a further incident and I should be grateful if you could disseminate these within your network so that front-line clinicians are aware."
NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens announced in a board meeting this morning that trusts are being urged to check staffing levels this Bank Holiday weekend.
In a separate letter sent to trusts Anne Rainsberry, national incident director at NHS England, said trusts need to take specific steps following the renewed threat level.
These include reviewing equipment stocks and blood supplies, as well as identifying patients who could be discharged to create extra room if necessary.
