To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) any plans to adopt and oversee a joined-up approach to security at hospitals to best protect staff from aggressive or violent patients or visitors; and (ii) how a policy of more prevention rather than cure in terms of violence in hospitals may be established.

(i) All HSC Trusts strive to provide a joined-up approach to security on hospital sites. This includes employing dedicated security staff who maintain static posts and perform routine patrols to help deter incidents but also to respond urgently to all requests for assistance with violent and aggressive persons as best possible.

CCTV and access control systems are also in place on many sites as an additional deterrent to detect and deny unauthorised entry.

Security staff, supervisors and management participate in meetings and sit on specific groups with internal stakeholders such as clinical staff, ward and department managers, clerical and reception staff, estates, pharmacists, social workers, H&S teams, trainers and Unions etc, where security policies are considered and reviewed.

Trusts also engage with external stakeholders such as local community groups, drug and homelessness outreach organisations and PSNI Neighbourhood Policing teams along with crime prevention liaison officers. Challenging behaviours and incidents are examined to provide practical advice and support to staff.

(ii) On 12 December 2023 my Department launched a new Management of Violence and Aggression in the Workplace HSC Framework. The purpose of this framework is to outline the HSC commitment in partnership with staff representatives, to ensure the prevention, reduction and management of violence and aggression towards staff in the workplace, and to ensure associated structures, policies and support are in place to enable staff to work safely.

This regional framework must form the basis of any policies and processes developed locally by the various HSC bodies in relation to dealing with such incidents in a diverse range of working environments. Each HSC employer will have differing arrangements in place, supported by appropriate risk assessments according to the setting.

The regional framework is accessible on the Department’s website.

https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/health/doh-hsc-afc-6-2023_0.pdf