News Article
31 July 2009
Following a commitment made by the Health Secretary, the Department of Health announced in May 2009 that 30,000 NHS lone workers will receive personal security alarms. Staff will be able to use these devices to monitor and record incidents where they feel their safety is threatened.
The NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has overseen the training of the first users, who have welcomed the new system.
Sue Frith, Deputy Head of NHS SMS explains:
“The new system provides NHS members of staff with a service that they can use to signal discreetly for assistance should they feel vulnerable or distressed when working alone. It helps protect NHS staff from violence or abuse and allows action to be taken against those who have committed assaults.
“This helps deliver healthy and safe working conditions and an environment free from harassment, bullying or violence, in line with the new NHS Constitution. The new comprehensive training package makes sure NHS staff are fully equipped to make good use of this system.”
Positive feedback has been given by those trained:
"We have more than 60 of our staff members trained. They have all found it very useful. We have been advocating it for a while. It gives them the added protection and support that they need."
(Local Security Management Specialist, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust)
"On your own in the night, it is a bit scary sometimes. We weren't sure what it would be like, but the new lone worker system is really helpful. The lone worker devices are brilliant, a really good idea. I'll feel a lot safer knowing I have told someone where my destination is, and can use them if there is a problem. You do feel safer, definitely."
(Community Midwife, Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust)
For more information contact James Robertson or Daryl Barrett at the NHS CFS press office on 020 7895 4524/4523 Mobile (out of hours) 07717851926. Further information on the NHS CFSMS can be found at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/security
(contd.)
Notes to Editors
1. Lone working is defined as any situation or location in which someone works without a colleague nearby; or when someone is working out of sight or earshot of another colleague. This could be outside of a hospital or similar environment or internally, where staff care for patients or service users on their own. Other descriptions commonly used include community or outreach workers. Lone working may be a constituent part of a person's usual job or it could occur on an infrequent basis, as and when circumstances dictate. Lone working is not unique to any particular groups of staff, working environment or time of day.
2. Health bodies have a responsibility to protect their staff from incidents of violence, threatening behaviour and verbal abuse. Their staff can now use these devices to monitor and record incidents where they feel their safety is threatened. Evidence, including audio recordings obtained through these devices may be used in criminal and civil proceedings and/or to take local sanctions against alleged offenders. The health bodies are responsible for the use of the devices and any recordings. They will of course continue to take any necessary steps to safeguard patient confidentiality, and recordings will only be retained where incidents have occurred.
3. The NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) – a division of the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) - was set up in 2003 to handle policy and operational matters related to the management of security within the NHS in England. It strives to ensure permanent improvements are made to provide the best protection for NHS staff and property.
4. In 2007/08 there were 55,993 reported physical assaults against NHS staff in England. During the same period sanctions against people who commit assault have risen to 992 – an increase of 123 on last year and a substantial rise from the 51 that were recorded in 2002/3.
5. In April 2004, the NHS SMS developed a national syllabus for conflict resolution training aimed at all frontline NHS staff. This training gives staff the skills to recognise and defuse potentially violent situations. Figures show that more than 428,000 staff have been trained so far.
6. Local Security Management Specialists (LSMSs) are in place in 90% of health bodies around England to investigate security breaches, along with the police, and implement new systems to better protect NHS staff and property. All reported incidents of violence against staff are reported to the LSMS as well as the police. They receive professional training in areas such as witness interviewing and a background in law, and are supported nationally by the NHS SMS.