The National Violence Against NHS Staff Statistics 2010/11 have been released by NHS Protect (formerly the NHS Security Management Service).
Nottinghamshire Healthcare has recorded a fall in the number of violent assaults committed by patients against staff in the year 10/11. 1427 incidents were recorded, over 250 fewer incidents than the previous year – an 18% fall.From the 139 incidents reported to police, 45 people were found guilty of assault and a number of cases are still ongoing.
Ian Brown, Local Security Management Specialist at the Trust said: “We are delighted to see a fall in the number of assaults. We always encourage staff to report an assault and I hope that these figures will help assure them that we take each case seriously. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, Nottinghamshire Police, South Yorkshire Police and Leicestershire Police for their positive involvement.”
The success we have had in prosecuting those people who assault our staff is very positive. Successful prosecutions reinforce the message that violence toward NHS staff is never viewed as acceptable. The majority of the successful prosecutions and sanctions received were from Forensic Services. This can be attributed to the full-time police liaison officer at Rampton Hospital who has developed considerable expertise in prosecuting persons with a mental health disorder.”
To ensure assault figures continue to fall across all Divisions and Directorates and those who assault staff are held accountable for their actions, the Trust, together with Nottinghamshire Police, has conducted a detailed review of policing within mental health services. A plan has been developed to introduce two further Detective Constables on a part-time basis. This proposal will now be submitted to the ACPO Police Mental Health Lead for the County.
In addition, a new model of police liaison is being developed to ensure the best use of new resources. Over the next 12 months Nottinghamshire Police aim to provide all units within the Trust with a Police Liaison Officer from the Local Beat Team. A Local Area Commander is also to be nominated for each unit by the Trust. The changes proposed for police liaison will also include for the first time mandated Crown Prosecution Service representation.
During the past year the Trust has developed a single unified security department covering all services and has developed an integrated security business plan
The Trust has also employed a second Local Security Management Specialist - Tim Shields. Tim’s appointment is very positive and indicates the seriousness the Trust places upon security. His role will involve making sure the Trust meets its obligations to staff, visitors, patients and the public with regard to security management.
“I believe that the measures outlined above to develop police liaison will enable us to improve safety for staff and encourage more people to report any incidence of violence that occurs at work. Coupled with the Trust’s management of violence strategies including a multi-disciplinary care approach, improvements in staff training, environmental management and encouraging patient involvement have all contributed to this positive position” added Ian.
