WINDSOR, ASCOT & MAIDENHEAD NHS TRUST PROTECT STAFF WITH IDENTICOM
Windsor, Ascot & Maidenhead PCT has upgraded its employee security system by purchasing Connexion2’s Identicom from Vodafone. A technically advanced lone worker security device, Identicom is providing the Trust’s lone working employees with the most efficient, safe and easy to use solution on the market.
Staff security is a central concern for the Trust, with around 200 professional health care workers regularly working on their own out in the community. To ensure their well-being, the Trust needed to provide them with a personal alarm system that would assist the worker, whenever and wherever it might be needed.
The Trust originally operated a telephone system whereby an employee could call a dedicated line and give a PIN number that would activate a security response. However, this system did not provide any location capability in the event of an incident or offer a discreet facility that would raise an alarm without potentially increasing the worker’s risk.
Looking for an alternative solution, the Trust decided to examine emerging ‘lone worker’ alarm technologies to deliver a more efficient and safer solution.In a trial of three options, the Identicom product, in conjunction with Vodafone’s network coverage was found to be 33% superior to its rivals.
Identicom looks like a normal ID badge but contains alert function buttons and uses Vodafone’s Enhanced Location Based Services (ELBS) to accurately help locate the user. When activated, the device connects to a 24/7 emergency response service run by Connexion2 premier partner Orbis Monitoring, who can provide help immediately.
The device also has an amber alert button, which enables a timed audio recording to be made of visit details prior to an appointment. A red alert button raises the alarm and a voice channel opens immediately so a response centre operator can listen live, check the user’s location using Vodafone’s ELBS and retrieve the amber alert details. Appropriate and proportional action can then be taken. A recording is also made of the threat, abuse or violence, which can be used as evidence in any consequent court action.
“We don’t want our staff to be attacked or put in any kind of danger which is why we are rolling out 125 Identicom units to our most vulnerable staff members”, said Paul Corcoran, Integrated Governance Manager at Windsor, Ascot & Maidenhead PCT.
Connexion2 has worked with the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Services (CFSMS) to make sure Identicom meets the requirements of health service professionals, is effective and simple to use. CFSMS are also able to provide all NHS Trusts with training and consultancy services to assist in the implementation of Identicom.
Close consultation between Connexion2, Vodafone, the Trust and response supporter provider, Orbis, also ensured that the resulting bespoke solution exactly fulfilled the Trust’s requirements. Ends
