NHS staff to get personal security alarms

30,000 lone NHS workers are to receive personal security alarms this month, following a commitment made by Health Secretary Alan Johnson to improve the safety and security of staff.

The lone worker alarm system is designed for nurses and other healthcare staff who work in isolation from colleagues and may need the ability to call for assistance when their personal security is threatened.

The i750 identicom devices made by Reliance, which use Location Based Service (LBS) technology will help locate the user and link to a trained individual who can summon help if needed.

If a lone worker indicates they need help, the call centre will be able listen to and record events in a way that is legally admissible making it is easier for workers to bring cases to prosecution where appropriate.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said:

"No NHS staff should have to put up with violence in the workplace, but sadly it happens. Lone workers are particularly vulnerable and I am determined to provide them with as much protection as we can to enable them to carry out their valuable work knowing that they have the support they need should their personal safety be threatened."

Ann Duffy, Community and District Nurses Association said:

"This is the best news for district nurses. We have campaigned for the safety of nurse for some time, Alan Johnson has delivered his pledge to us and we thank him. We have a duty of care for the nurses who care for all of us."

Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said:

"Nurses and other healthcare staff who work alone will welcome having a system to keep them safe and lone worker devices are an important way of reducing the risks. They must be used alongside a well planned and supported lone worker policy and training for all those using them. This way they should increase protection to workers who are in a vulnerable position while doing an essential job. Trusts have a responsibility to keep their staff safe, so they must ensure that all lone workers at risk have access to these devices quickly to support them as they go about their work in the community."

The alarms will be rolled out from May 5 2009 and will be initially be targeted at community workers who work with patients and their families or associates who have a history of violence, alcohol or drug abuse or clinical conditions which might heighten risks to the lone worker, and those who work in areas of high crime rates and social deprivation.