Hospital porters are being trained as security guards in a bid to improve staff safety, it has been revealed.
Mid-Essex Hospitals NHS Trust used to employ private security guards but is now training porters after discussions with staff.
All five of the Trust's hospitals at Broomfield and St John's in Chelmsford, William Julien Courtauld and St Michael's in Braintree and St Peter's in Maldon are affected.
A Trust spokeswoman said 32 porters had taken a professional course to qualify in safety skills, law and security.
But she denied the move was a way of saving money.
She said: "This will improve security in all five of the Trust's hospitals and make it even better than before."
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