RCN welcomes introduction of lone worker personal security alarms
Published: 05 May 2009
The Royal College of Nursing has welcomed the introduction of a lone worker alarm system designed to give health care staff the means to call for assistance when their personal security is threatened. Describing the system as 'an important way of reducing the risks', the RCN warns that they must be used alongside robust lone worker policies, risk assessments and training.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:
"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 RCN launched a survey and campaign in 2007 - You're not alone - on the protection and personal safety of lone working nurses and health care assistants and the issue remains high on the RCN's agenda.
It was this campaign which led to the Health Minister of £29 million to fund lone worker devices for NHS staff in England. Lone worker protection devices have also been recommended by the All Wales Task Force on Violence against NHS staff and the RCN continues to lobby for similar protection of all lone working nurses and health care workers across the UK.
The Department of Health says that 30,000 lone NHS workers in England will receive the personal security alarms - i750 identicom devices, which use Location Based Service (LBS) technology will help locate the user and link to a trained individual who can summon help if needed.
Further information
Read the RCN campaign leaflet You're not alone. The RCN - campaigning to protect lone workers (PDF 160.7KB).
RCN members are invited to a fringe event - You're not alone - personal safety for lone workers - being held at RCN Congress on Tuesday 12 May 2009. For more information, go to the Congress area of the website.
For more information on the NHS security management strategy and lone working, go to the NHS Security Management Service website.