WHEN a wanted criminal arrived at the Great Western Hospital for an operation, getting better wasn't the only thing on his mind.

Before surgery he decided to steal a charity box full of coins and two laptop computers belonging to doctors.

But it was the quick thinking and brave action from one of the hospital's security guards that stopped the thief in his tracks.

And as part of GWH's annual team awards all eight security guards, along with many other staff members, received awards to reward their hard work.

This is the sixth time that hospital staff have been celebrated in this way.

Many staff at the hospital work above and beyond the call of duty including security staff.

GWH is policed 24 hours a day by Carillion security guards who protect staff, patients and visitors.

But at GWH the eight burly men do a lot more than stand still with their arms folded. And that includes 24-year-old Dan Witts.

When he got a call to say a patient had stolen a charity cash box he sprang into action.

"I heard he was looking suspicious in the restaurant and that he had stolen the cash box.

"I started to follow him and he tried to hide in some bushes outside.

"I phoned for the police but he saw me following him so he started to run.

"I chased after him and managed to detain him until the police arrived.

"When we looked in the bushes we realised he had also stolen two laptops."

Because of Mr Witts' actions the laptops were returned to the doctors.

Unfortunately the cash box was returned without its contents.

But the guards are not just there to trap criminals, as Gary Cotterill, 40, explained.

"Our job changes from day to day," he said.

"One minute we might be restraining someone who has taken an overdose and the next we are looking after a vulnerable child.

"It really is mixed. You get your bad points but there are a lot of highs too."

People who are drunk and become aggressive are often a cause for security to be called, especially to accident and emergency.

"That is difficult at times but we just deal with what's happening and make sure everyone is safe," added Mr Cotterill.

And the team have even been with mums who could not make it into the hospital from the car park before giving birth.

The other members of the team are: Chris Barrett, 24; Phil Freegard, 52; Doug Coulson, 56; Richard Stallard, 32; Des Bowden, 36; Terry Goodhall, 24.

other winners

Woodpecker Ward.

Carillion Housekeepers ICU Team.

Emergency Department Reception Team.

Neptune Ward.

Carillion Catering Team.

Cytology Team.

Rheumatology Team.

WRVS Escort Service Team.

Cancer Information Point Volunteer Team.

Una Sperring and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick.

Hilda Cooper and the Clinical Audit and Effectiveness Team.

Ron Brown and Nigel Symons.

Michelle Taylor.

Rosemarie Silcox.

Alison Carter.

Nicola Martin.

Joyce Styles.

Caroline Critchley.

Hilary Millett.

Teri Stevans.