In what’s thought to be the first security scheme of its type “anywhere in the world”, members of the eight-strong team of officers who patrol the site will record persistent incidents of physical and verbal abuse on staff, including kicking, punching, spitting, biting and butting.
Hospital executives have invested GB pound 10,000 in the cameras, which are clipped to the shoulder of a given officer’s uniform and can record incidents as they happen. Footage recorded on the cameras will be downloaded by the officers and passed on to Devon and Cornwall Police. The recordings will be used to help convict attackers, particularly in those cases where a victim might be too frightened to give evidence in Court.
Protection from intimidation
Speaking about the initiative, Scott Boyd – managing director of Securi-Guard – said the use of the shoulder cams would be invaluable in helping to protect hospital staff from intimidation and abuse.
“We’re delighted to be able to bring a greater level of protection to staff at Derriford, who have the right to carry out their work free from the fear of assault,” said Boyd. “The use of technology like this should mean violent patients think twice about taking their anger out on hospital staff. Those that do can expect to feel the full force of the law.”
The shoulder cams will be used alongside the existing CCTV cameras and door access control systems already in place at the hospital to make staff feel safer.
Securi-Guard has a contract with the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust to patrol the wards, concourses, public areas and car parks at the Derriford site.
CCTV monitoring and vehicle tracking
Originally formed in 1966, and operational under the same directorship since April 1982, Securi-Guard is the largest independent security supplier in the South West of England.
Based at Darklake View at Estover in Plymouth, the company employs around 250 people, offering guarding services throughout Devon and Cornwall and installing electronic security systems across the UK. The Securi-Guard also monitors alarms, CCTV images and vehicle tracking both in the UK and across Europe.
The company is a Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor, and quality assured to British Standard EN ISO 9001/2000.