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Addenbrooke's Hospital had to intervene after Cambridgeshire police officers allegedly stopped NHS staff on their way to work and told them their NHS ID card wasn't enough evidence of essential travel.

The police force had previously come under fire last week after a tweet was sent out by an "over-exuberant officer" referencing "non-essential aisles" at one of the county's supermarkets.

Hundreds of people hit back at the tweet, questioning the force how they can determine which aisles at the Bar Hill Tesco were non-essential, before the force's media department issued a clarification.

And now, it has been claimed that Cambridgeshire Constabulary officers have stopped staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital on their way into and out of work and told them that their ID card was not sufficient evidence to prove the necessity of an essential journey.

The claims were made in a newsletter sent out to staff by the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust on Friday April 3, which has been seen by CambridgeshireLive.

(Image: @Cambridgecops)

It read: "We have received a very small number of reports from staff who have been stopped by the police on their way to work and asked to confirm if their travel was essential.

"When staff showed their NHS ID and said they were on their way into or from work, they were advised by the police officers that this was insufficient evidence of essential travel.

"Following these reports the Trust has been in discussions with Cambridgeshire Constabulary. It has confirmed it will remind all police officers that such an explanation together with an NHS ID badge is sufficient evidence.

"We consider this matter to be resolved, however, if any members of staff continue to experience any difficulties, please report them immediately to HR / medical staffing, so that this can be escalated further."

Responding to the newsletter, a CUH spokesperson said: “Cambridgeshire Constabulary has an important role encouraging people to stay at home and, while it is correct that a very small number of our staff were challenged, this issue was quickly resolved and we continue to welcome their efforts to support the social distancing message.”

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Cambridgeshire Chief Constable Nick Dean said: “There are reports circulating on social media that officers are stopping NHS staff on their way to or from work at Addenbrooke’s hospital.

"This morning we have spoken to Addenbrooke’s and have confirmed these reports date back to early April or even prior to that.

“It is inevitable that officers going about their daily business will stop and speak to our colleagues across the health service; we as Cambridgeshire Constabulary have had nothing but support from right across the health sector, as every police service has experienced, right across the country.

“We have shown our support at events such as the Clap for Carers and only last week we again showed our utmost admiration for those tackling Coronavirus at the front line. We are all united in our support to stop the spread of the virus and to save lives.

(Image: Cambridgeshire Constabulary)

“NHS staff carry ID cards and that is more than sufficient to show who they are and why they are travelling – we are very clear that we support our NHS. This Easter weekend is about us all working together at this critical time and not being diverted by stories which lose sight of the devastating effects this virus causes; it affects everyone and we, like every other police service, are determined to support the fight against this virus.

“We have reminded our officers of the guidelines, as we have done continually throughout this evolving situation, and I ask that you help us in saving lives and supporting our fantastic NHS by staying at home.”