Stab vests and cameras for hospital guards
HOSPITAL security guards have been armed with stab vests and video cameras in a bid to reduce attacks on medical staff in Scunthorpe.
The digital devices will be attached to staff uniforms to record sound and video which can be used as evidence in court against anyone who is verbally or physically abusive towards staff at Scunthorpe General Hospital.
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SAFER: Scunthorpe General Hospital security officers Richard Bentley (left) and Steven Wells with the uniform-mounted cameras they will wear to improve safety. Picture: Carl Gac
Staff will also be issued with high-visibility uniforms and stab proof vests as part of a £12,500 investment by ISS Mediclean which provides security services for the hospital.
Jug Johal, head of transport, car parking and security for Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust, said the cameras were the latest in a series of steps taken to protect staff.
"Our message is clear – violence and abuse at our hospitals will not be tolerated," he said.
"We believe that the use of body camera technology will act as a deterrent which in turn will help to reduce incidents of violence, aggression and acts of anti-social behaviour.
"They will also support police and NHS prosecutions against those who commit crimes against trust staff, property, patients and visitors."
Security staff will activate the cameras only when they feel threatened and will first warn an attacker they are about to be caught on camera.
For the full story, buy today's Scunthorpe Telegraph.
7 Comments
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by Cynical, Scunny
Monday, February 01 2010, 8:16AM
“I want to volunteer to hold the birch for Stu.......spot on mate.”
by Philip, Scunthorpe
Saturday, January 30 2010, 9:51PM
“Agree with other letters, this council has for years done absolutely nothing to discourage binge drinking. Infact if there is any guarantee in this town it is that the council will allow you to open a bar and for as long as you choose. And if the police object, the council will simply igonre them and over rule. This council is rubbish when it comes to licensing matters, and its the police, paramedics and hospital staff that suffer the consequences. Its a sad sad indicment on this country that hospitals even need security staff, and that those security staff need stab vests. Shameful.”
by john jeffery, Northants
Saturday, January 30 2010, 9:05PM
“Anth you are right- they should pay. In fact I think anyone who attacks a hospital employee, ambulance staff etc. should b thrown out of the NHS and made to pay for all treatment in the future. We need a deterent”
by anth, Scunthorpe
Saturday, January 30 2010, 6:25PM
“Brian,Ashby.Too true,all this council has done is to encourage binge drinking.Allowing pubs/clubs to stay open until early hours of the morning then they even close Brittannia Corner at weekends so the drunks dont get run over.No wonder the hospital and emergency services get problems.Finally these plonkers turning up at A & E should be charged for their treatment,why should NHS pay for their stupidity?”
by Stu, at home in my castle,, Messingham.
Saturday, January 30 2010, 5:32PM
“Human rights..... Bring back the birch!”