A TRESPASSER refused to leave a mental health hospital in Basingstoke, leaving residents concerned about the safety measures in place.

The incident took place on Wednesday, January 10, at around 5pm, when a woman entered the hospital and refused to leave.

She left only after the police arrived at the hospital.

READ MORE: CQC criticises Southern Health and Parklands Hospital

A Basingstoke resident, who doesn't want their name published, told the Gazette that they received a distressing call from a patient. 

A police spokesperson confirmed officers attended the hospital, which is run by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, in Aldermaston Road. 

Police said: "We were called at 5.12 pm yesterday (January 10) to a report of a public order incident at Parklands Hospital on Aldermaston Road. A woman had entered the hospital and refused to leave. Officers attended the scene, and the woman left the premises."

Donna Greenwood, deputy director of nursing and AHP’s in acute and crisis care at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We can confirm that yesterday (Wednesday, January 10) a woman who is known to our services entered Parklands Hospital and refused to leave.

"Patient and staff safety is always our top priority and Hampshire Constabulary were immediately contacted. Officers attended the scene and the woman left the premises.”