The number of violent and aggressive incidents reported at Medway Maritime has gone down by almost a third in the first quarter of the year.

Statistics released in the hospital board papers show in January only 31 incidents were reported compared to 47 in 2017.

This is a 34% reduction.

In February, the number dropped by a quarter, from 60 to 45 and in March they were down from 76 to 54.

Head of clinical engineering Neil Adams, who is responsible for security, said it’s due to the “perfect storm” of new technology and training.

Mr Adams, who has worked at the trust for 29 years, said: “People need to feel confident and safe in the hospital.

“We introduced body cams 18-months-ago, they’re not on all the time but they can be used, it’s the same as the ones police use and it makes a big difference.

“Coupling that with professionalism and understanding of the patients, it’s created a perfect storm and reduced the numbers of incidents.

“The CCTV system is known and in a good place and we have regular foot patrols.

“All staff are trained in conflict resolution and it all adds up to really good security.

“People are safe here.”

One challenge that can present itself to the security staff is knowing whether a patient is acting out for medical reasons or distress, rather than intending to be violent.

But this is also something they are trained to recognise.

Gary Lupton, director of estates and facilities, said: “You start with the assumption, as they are in a place of care, that they may be unwell or incredibly distressed at the time.

“You don’t assume they are here to make trouble.

“That’s the starting position.

“The guys are well trained in terms of being able to descale an issue and calm it down.

“This isn’t like working in a night club, people are challenged here and they can't help being stressed about what's going on."