Police officers are now patrolling the corridors of a Woolwich hospital to crack down on crime.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital now has two bobbies, PC Andy Harris and PC Dougie Cameron, who will be looking after thousands of patients and staff who work there.

They have an office in the busy hospital and "provide a reassuring police presence" for the people there.

This move is part of a new partnership between the hospital and Greenwich Police, called a Hospital Watch Protocol Agreement.

There have been 126 recorded crimes and 22 people charged or cautioned as a result since January, last year, according to Greenwich Police.

Police say there have been a number of minor thefts, particularly in the hospital car park, and an assault in Accident & Emergency in the last year.

The agreement was formalised last week, when Greenwich borough commander Chief Superintendent Sharon Kerr and Queen Elizabeth's chief executive Alan Perkins signed the protocol.

Staff say they are pleased there will be two officers on the hospital site.

One staff nurse in A & E, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is a reassuring for myself and other staff, as well as patients, to know there is extra security to hand if situations become difficult. A familiar face, who understands how the hospital works, will make things much easier."

Inspector Dayne Pearson, of Grreenwich Police, explained there has been an officer at Lewisham Hospital for the last six months which has been a "success".

He said: "The hospital is a community in its own right with up to 3,000 staff.

"They have a right to work in a safe environment. Where you have that many people in one place, it is inevitable you will attract undesirables and there is a potential for crime.

"These officers are walking around the hospital on a regular basis as part of their work in the Riverside beat.

"They are getting to know the staff and have hospital identification."

Hospital Watch is a national police initiative to cut down on crime in hospitals.