DUBLIN'S Mater Hospital called the Garda 390 times in one year to deal with trouble in the accident and emergency department. In all, more than 700 people were removed from the premises for creating difficulties.
But problems at nearby Temple Street Hospital have fallen away because of the work of a local residents' committee and the gardai, a report says.
Much of trouble in the A and E department at the Mater is connected to drink and drugs, the hospital points out.
"This at times violent behaviour contributes greatly to the stress of staff working in this area, the hospital's general services officer, Mr Martin Igoe, says in a submission to a security working group set up by nearby Temple Street Children's Hospital.
A high percentage of the difficulties are caused by drunk or homeless people, it says.
But treating prisoners from Mountjoy and St Patrick's Institution also brings difficulties, it says.
"Recently a prisoner caused havoc in the area, escaping on to the North Circular Road and in the process assaulting two prison officers with a syringe, crashing through glass panel doors and traumatising staff, patients and relatives in the accident and emergency department."
The working group report complains of a variety of security problems at Temple Street Children's Hospital, including muggings, bag snatching and car theft.
But since the report was compiled, the problems have virtually disappeared because of the work of the local Hardwicke Street Flats Residents' Committee and of community policing by the gardai, said the working group chairman, Mr Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
The working group notes that children living in the area lack play facilities and "general diversion".
Improvements in Hardwicke Street Flats, including heating and a traffic calming system, are among the measures sought by the working party.