SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH INCLUDES IDENTICOM IN FRONTLINE DEFENCE AGAINST ATTACKS ON NHS STAFF
Dr John Reid, Secretary of State for Health, today announced that the NHS will include Identicom as part of its arsenal against attacks on NHS staff.The announcement follows a 12 month trial of the security device, which has been developed by South Yorkshire based Connexion2 Ltd. The NHS will deploy Identicom widely across the NHS, with approximately 100,000 staff, including community nurses, identified as likely beneficiaries.
Developed over a two-year period, Identicom uses the same technology as a mobile phone.Looking like a normal ID holder, but equipped with a dual or tri-band GSM module, Identicom not only enables a lone worker to discreetly raise an alarm if threatened, but also allows a third party to listen to what is happening and record evidence of abusive behaviour whatever the distance.The device can also support the identification of a worker’s location using enhanced location based service (LBS) technology.
Measuring 102x72x14mm and weighing just 75 grams, Identicom‘s innovative technology is all contained unobtrusively within the unit.The device includes a lanyard attachment that enables it to be worn around the neck as a standard ID and hides a ‘rip alarm’ function, which is triggered if the unit is forcibly removed from the wearer.Identicom is flexible enough to be configured in a number of ways, thereby allowing an employer to adopt the device without the need to significantly change or alter current working practices.
Trials of Identicom have been co-ordinated by the NHS Security Management Service (SMS) over the past twelve months culminating in twenty-two NHS trusts using the solution for many different types of lone working or mobile workers. As well as developing Identicom, Connexion2 has written a web based training programme, specifically for the NHS, to aid workers in understanding how the system works, its features, and when and how to operate it. NHS Trusts and other public sector bodies are able to purchase units through the Office of Government Commerce (OGC).
Jim Gee, Chief Executive of the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) said: "The NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has now successfully completed trials of the Identicom device. NHS staff said they felt safer and more at ease in their working environment when using this device and I hope that NHS organisations take advantage of the opportunities, which are now presented to properly protect lone workers. Identicom is one of a range of measures we are taking to protect lone workers in the NHS from violence and abuse.”
Connexion2 has developed partnership agreements with several specialist service providers that have the infrastructure to manage the escalation of alerts and calls. The majority of NHS trials have been conducted with specialist partner Orbis Monitoring. When activated, Identicom opens up a voice call to the Orbis emergency response team who are then able to assess the situation and co-ordinate the appropriate action – involving the police if necessary, 24/7. Tamperproof DVD recordings are made of the incidents for use as evidence to support preventative action or prosecution against offenders.
Prior to April 2003, when the NHS Security Management Service was established, violence and intimidation of NHS staff was on the increase.In 2003 116,000 incidents of violence and aggression were reported against NHS staff – an increase of 4,000 on previous figures.
“Working with the NHS Security Management Service and Orbis over the last 18months has enabled us to fully understand the issues facing NHS workers and the needs and desires of their employers”, says Craig Swallow, CEO of Connextion2. “We have reflected what we have learnt in Identicom and believe that it is a very credible tool in the fight against violence and abusive behaviour towards all lone and mobile workers.” Ends
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Further Information From:Gill Mears, Wessex Public Relations, 87 Twin Oaks Close,
Broadstone, Dorset BH18 8JETel:01202 601050Fax:01202 605570email:info@wessexpr.com
