In the wake of recent events we should all be applauding anyone working in a hospital or as part of the emergency services. They spend their days (and nights) helping us when we need them most and yet the number of assaults they face on a daily basis is increasing each year.
Some of these are carried out by patients with mental health problems who may not be fully aware of their actions, but many are due to an excess of alcohol and/or drugs. You only have to visit a city centre on a Friday or Saturday night to see the paramedics trying to help those who have over-indulged and ended up injuring themselves or others (or both!).
And it isn’t only outside bars; nurses, doctors and support staff inside hospitals are being attacked by patients and their friends or relatives.
According to NHS Protect statistics, in 2015-16 there were more than 70,000 assaults on NHS staff, an increase of over 10,000 in 4 years (since 2011-12). The result of these attacks is that hospital staff don’t feel safe in their workplace. Many trusts offer staff conflict resolution training, and some are introducing body-worn cameras (for paramedics and nursing staff not just security guards).
It’s clear that the problem isn’t going away and there is a growing need for extra support for those working in this environment. Unfortunately security guards are necessary in our hospitals.
Leisuresec works with several hospitals across the country providing manned security services, guards inside and outside the buildings, patrolling grounds and providing escort services for lone workers. If you want to find out more please get in touch.
