New police liaison officer joins up

PC Janet West-Jones is St Thomas’ new police liaison officer.

Janet comes from a long line of doctors and nurses, and her mother is a retired psychiatric nurse, so the hospital environment feels very familiar to her. 

When PC Nick Hedges was appointed as St Thomas’ police liaison officer seven years ago, it was a unique role in a hospital in the UK.

The hospital’s central London location makes it ideal for a role which promotes community and personal safety, support and security for Trust staff and visitors. 

Janet started her career as a frontline police officer in Westminster before joining the Government’s Protect team, guarding against terrorism in Brixton, Streatham and Kennington – she took up her new role at St Thomas’ earlier this month.

She says: “The work was really interesting but I needed a fresh challenge. What I like about this role is the double function of a high visibility presence, providing reassurance to patients and staff, and also being a gateway between the police service and the hospital.

“I am also a link for the safeguarding teams so I can provide extra information about people who may be at risk, from domestic violence for example.  It’s basic grassroots policing, providing prevention rather than cure.

“But I really enjoy just walking around the hospital, keeping an eye on things, talking to people and being a reassuring presence.”