Police surgeries a success

Last updated 29-Nov-10 16:08

Following the ongoing series of police surgeries that have been working with the public at both hospital sites, a second series of sessions has now begun alongside them that sees the police visiting staff on the wards themselves.

The Trust continues to submit annual statistics of violent incidents against staff in accordance with national guidance. These statistics record every incident of physical assault and are all reported to the security department. The Trust is carrying out a lot of work in partnership with the police to combat violence and aggression, and the walk-rounds on the wards are expected to be a fortnightly occurrence.

The first tour took place on 24 November at Chase Farm Hospital. Nick Wright, Local Security Management Specialist, has been responsible for arranging these visits. He said the aim of the visits was "to raise awareness in relation to violence and aggression and security across the Trust and to continue working in partnership with the police to ensure any staff concerns or security incidents are addressed accordingly, subsequently providing reassurance to staff and service users and helping to maintain a safe and secure working environment." 

He was joined on the first tour by Sergeant Peter Eldridge and PCSO Jane Wood. Noting that the first tour has taken place during NHS Security Awareness Month, Sgt. Eldridge said that: "Enfield police fully support NHS Security Awareness Month and are fully behind the zero tolerance approach in relation to violence and aggression towards staff. We will continue to provide a visible police presence to reassure patients, staff and visitors - and to prevent and detect crime." PCSO Wood echoed his comments, saying that the increase was "to reassure staff and make a more visible presence."