Two full-time police officers who provide back-up to 24-hour security at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Treliske are to leave in July.

The move comes as part of the hospital trust's scheme to reduce a £31m deficit.

A trust spokesman said they were confident they could continue to provide a safe environment after the departure of the two officers who had been stationed at the hospital for almost seven years.

It is estimated that about £65,000-a-year will be saved by cutting the jobs.

Superintendent John Green said the decision was not surprising as the hospital was under "significant financial pressure".

He said security staff at the hospital did an excellent job and were in effective communication with the police if problems did arise.

Police would continue to work with the hospital and they would look to maintain some sort of presence.

Gordon Swindell, vice chairman of the hospital's patient forum, was "very disappointed" with the news.

The presence of a policeman usually calmed people down. "I think we need that presence there at all times," he said.

Sue Matthews, from the Royal College of Nursing, said visible policing had been a big asset, particularly in the acute areas in the accident and emergency departments.

A statement issued by the trust said: "The trust's security service provides us with a team of trained individuals, with a minimum of two security guards providing round the clock cover at the hospital, acting as a deterrent, responding to urgent situations and liaising with the police where incidents require further action or arrest."