Hundreds of NHS staff in Gwent who work alone or away from colleagues, are being given an alarm device to boost their safety and security.
The device is part of a one-way mobile phone system supported by a GPS tracking programme.
When the device is activated, an alarm is raised at a constantly manned centre from where the member of staff can be located, and the police can be alerted if it is believed their safety is under threat.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board staff who work alone - such as many people who work in community services or in mental health - are being given the device.
Evidence obtained from the devices will be used to pursue action against people who attack or abuse them.
The Argus reported yesterday that prosecutions of people using violence or aggression toward NHS staff are on the rise, backed up where possible by CCTV evidence, as in recent cases involving incidents at the Royal Gwent Hospital.
With 15,000 employees the health board is Gwent's largest employer, and with staff employed far and wide in providing a range of services that require them to work alone, board chiefs want to make sure they are adequately protected and supported.
"We are committed to preventing violence and aggression against staff, patients and visitors both on our premises and in the community," said Jan Smith, director of therapies and health sciences, and the health board's champion for violence and aggression.
"Whilst the vast majority of patients and relatives treat staff with respect, there are instances when for a variety of reasons lone staff are at risk.
"These alarms will help to ensure the safety of both the staff member and the patients in their care.
"Through the purchase of these devices, the health board can provide further support to our lone workers and demonstrate our strong commitment to enhance staff security."
The new system is part of an all-Wales project part-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
The device is part of a one-way mobile phone system supported by a GPS tracking programme.
When the device is activated, an alarm is raised at a constantly manned centre from where the member of staff can be located, and the police can be alerted if it is believed their safety is under threat.
Aneurin Bevan Health Board staff who work alone - such as many people who work in community services or in mental health - are being given the device.
Evidence obtained from the devices will be used to pursue action against people who attack or abuse them.
The Argus reported yesterday that prosecutions of people using violence or aggression toward NHS staff are on the rise, backed up where possible by CCTV evidence, as in recent cases involving incidents at the Royal Gwent Hospital.
With 15,000 employees the health board is Gwent's largest employer, and with staff employed far and wide in providing a range of services that require them to work alone, board chiefs want to make sure they are adequately protected and supported.
"We are committed to preventing violence and aggression against staff, patients and visitors both on our premises and in the community," said Jan Smith, director of therapies and health sciences, and the health board's champion for violence and aggression.
"Whilst the vast majority of patients and relatives treat staff with respect, there are instances when for a variety of reasons lone staff are at risk.
"These alarms will help to ensure the safety of both the staff member and the patients in their care.
"Through the purchase of these devices, the health board can provide further support to our lone workers and demonstrate our strong commitment to enhance staff security."
The new system is part of an all-Wales project part-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.
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