Recent Met Police data shows a marked increase in violent incidents against hospital employees. From April 2022 to March 2023, there were 578 reported cases of violence, a number that has alarmingly risen to 406 incidents in just the eight months since April 2023. These figures, reported by the BBC, highlight an escalating issue that extends beyond physical aggression, including non-physical forms such as distress-causing threatening letters.
While this trend is city-wide, specific boroughs like Lambeth and Redbridge have been particularly affected. Lambeth, home to prominent medical centres such as St Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital, led the initial yearly report with 59 cases. Since April 2023, Redbridge, including King George Hospital, has reported the highest number of incidents.
Common assault and battery constitute the majority of these offences, accounting for 23% of the total cases since April 2022. However, Dr Onkar Sahota, a Labour member of the London Assembly, fears these numbers only scratch the surface, suggesting many incidents remain unreported. This situation is compounded by the NHS in England experiencing a record exodus of staff, including over 41,000 nurses in the last year, as reported by The Observer.
In response to this escalating problem, Assist Security Group (ASG) offers a solution. With over 30 years of experience, ASG specializes in providing bespoke security solutions across various sectors, including hospitals. Their approach is to understand each client’s unique needs and risks, offering tailored services led by experts in each division.
ASG’s 6-Point Framework of Protection, Prevention, Presentation, Planning, People, and Partnership ensures a comprehensive strategy to safeguard staff and assets. Their services include on-site security personnel, close protection services, and advanced monitoring technologies. ASG’s focus is not only on mitigating risks but also on fostering trusted partnerships, ensuring a secure and successful operational environment for their clients.
Troy Hewitt, CEO of ASG, emphasises the importance of this approach: “In these challenging times, it’s vital that we provide our healthcare workers with the protection they deserve. Our tailored security solutions ensure a safe working environment for NHS staff, allowing them to focus on their critical role in healthcare.”
ASG’s expertise in hospital security is part of their wider portfolio, which includes luxury hotels and retail, railways, corporate offices, and event management. Each solution is carefully designed to align with the client’s brand, culture, and objectives, making ASG a preferred security partner known for operational excellence and a collaborative approach.
Hewitt adds, “Our commitment is to not only provide top-tier security services but also to understand the unique needs of each sector we serve. This enables us to be proactive and efficient in our approach, offering peace of mind to our clients and their teams.”
For those concerned about the safety of healthcare workers and the need for effective security measures, ASG’s services in event security, corporate security, hospital security, hotel security, railway security, luxury retail security, and tourist attraction security offer a comprehensive solution. To learn more about how ASG can assist in creating a safer environment for your organisation, contact them for further information.
