NEW high-tech safety devices, which can record evidence for potential court cases, are being used to protect NHS staff working in Warrington.
Warrington Primary Care Trust and the Community Service Unit workers have been issued with personal safety devices to help to protect them when lone working.
They can be used to monitor and record incidents where they feel their safety is compromised. With the facility to audio record, the devices can be used in criminal and civil proceedings and/or to take local sanctions against alleged offenders.
Gary Monaghan, NHS security management specialist, said: “This new system provides NHS staff with a service that they can use to signal discreetly for assistance should they feel vulnerable or distressed when working alone.
“Having introduced over 100 already, with more being issued over the next few months, staff are benefiting from the new system, which makes their job safer and more secure.”
In line with the new NHS Constitution, steps have been taken to issue safety devices as a small minority of the public do verbally and physically abuse NHS staff.
This will enable the service to deliver healthy and safe working conditions for their staff and an environment free from harassment, bullying or violence.
One community nurse in Warrington said: “I feel safer in the knowledge that someone could be listening, and get assistance, in the unlikely event of needing urgent help.”
