National security

HD, Feb 2005 by Van Der Bijl, Nick

In conclusion, there is no doubt that the development of the SMS and the LSMS will be immensely beneficial to health bodies. Inevitably it will take time for health bodies to manage the change from a nonsecurity culture, but convert they must, and time is short. Security within hospitals means "Providing for the protection and safety of all persons interacting in the delivery of medical care and safeguarding public and private assets against theft, fraud, damage and disruption which could be detrimental to the continuation of patient care" (Home Office). Hospitals must no longer be supermarkets without tills. Patients, staff and visitors, who see security more than police officers every day, demand better protection.

REFERENCES

1. The Counter Fraud and security Management Service Regulations, (England), Statutory Instrument 2002 No 3040. www.cfsms.nhs.uk

2. A Professional Approach to Managing security in the NHS, December 2003.

3. Secretary of State Directions to Tackle Violence against Staff and Professionals who Work or Provide Services to the NHS, November 2003.

4. Secretary of State Directions on the Management of Security in the NHS, 24 March 2004.

Nick Van Der Bijl is security manager at North Bristol NHS Trust.