24/4/2009

Close circuit television cameras are to be placed in four Welsh hospitals to help protect staff from violence and aggression.

Latest figures for 2006-07 show that there were 8,466 incidents of violence against NHS staff, ranging from verbal abuse to serious physical assaults.

Tina Donnelly, Director of the Royal College of Nursing Wales, said: "Hopefully, a strong message of encouragement will be given to the public to support nurses and other NHS staff and also an equally strong message that will deter potential offenders from verbally or physically attacking staff who are there to provide healthcare."

During a 12-month trial, CCTV will be installed in clinical and non-clinical areas in four major accident and emergency departments and some vehicles from one ambulance station.

The accident and emergency departments to be involved in the trial are Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil; Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport; West Wales General Hospital, Carmarthen; and Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.

Recording of images will be carefully managed to ensure adequate information is obtained to assist with prosecution of offenders, whilst ensuring vigilant compliance with data security rules and guidance, other relevant legislation and patient privacy. Clear signage will be displayed to ensure public awareness of CCTV.

A number of Ambulances from Blackweir ambulance station, Cardiff, will also be equipped with CCTV.

If the trials prove successful in reducing incidents and increasing the number of prosecutions, the initiative will be extended across Wales.

In addition, a number of devices and systems are being considered to improve protection and safety of lone workers in the NHS in Wales. This includes the possibility of personal safety alarms being linked to a centralised control system.

Although it is not known what proportion of assaults relate to attacks on lone workers, it is recognised that this group of staff may face increased risks, because they do not have the immediate support of colleagues if an incident occurs.

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "Violence and aggression against staff is totally unacceptable and I am determined to stamp out this behaviour.

"I have made clear that the perpetrators of attacks on staff should be prosecuted. There is an agreement in place between the Assembly Government, NHS, Association of Chief Police Officers and the Crown Prosecution Services on the prosecution of those who are violent and aggressive against NHS staff.

"I hope that the introduction of the CCTV cameras at the accident and emergency units and in ambulances will help provide more evidence to support prosecutions.

"I hope through prosecuting more people, and with the cameras in place, people with think twice before abusing staff that are there to try and help and care for them.

"I am keen to provide further protection for lone workers, who, for example, may be in a patient's home, working in an isolated or rural area, or working at night or away from the main hospital building. It is important that lone workers have the assurance of being able to raise the alarm if they feel they are in a threatening situation."

David Francis, chair of Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and all-Wales Violence and Aggression Champion, added: "In developing the CCTV pilots we have worked closely with staff, and have had very good support from the police. The intention is to gather the best possible evidence to underpin prosecution of people attacking NHS staff.

"It will also demonstrate to our employees, wherever they may work, that NHS Wales is determined to confront violent behaviour and properly support victims."