In 2003, the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service (CFSMS), assumed strategic responsibility for the management of security in the NHS. CFSMS aims to build on the existing good practice in this area to ensure that those who work in and use the NHS can feel safe in their environment.
Dorset and Somerset health community is committed to Security and now has a Security Management Executive Director to lead on security at Board Level. This will ensure that security is taken seriously at the highest levels within the organisation. To assist the Executive Director there will be a Local Security Management Specialist (LSMS). The LSMS is trained by the CFSMS and will be involved in performing a wide range of security-related tasks:
- Creating a ‘pro-security’ culture amongst staff, professionals and the public
- Deterring those who may be minded to breach security
- Preventing security incidents or breaches from occurring
- Detecting security incidents and reporting them to the CFSMS
- Investigating security incidents in a fair, objective and professional manner
- Applying a wide range of sanctions against those responsible for security incidents, involving a combination of procedural, disciplinary, civil and criminal action as appropriate
- Seeking redress through the criminal and civil justice systems against those whose actions lead to loss of NHS resources
To include the protection of the following:
- Patients and staff
- NHS Property and assets
- Maternity and Paediatric Units
- Drugs, prescription forms and hazardous materials
What is the LSMS looking for?
Your LSMS is keen to hear about the following kinds of incidents involving staff, patients or visitors:
- Physical Assault & Non Physical Assaults
- Harassment
- Theft
- Criminal Damage
- Antisocial behaviour in and around where you work
- Genuine general security concerns
As before, always inform your manager and call the Police if you witness or are involved in a Physical Assault.
IF IN DOUBT RAISE
IT WITH YOUR MANAGER!
The Trust will support any of its staff who raise matters in good faith. Managers at all levels will ensure that issues raised are treated in an appropriate and serious manner.
Your assurances
Rest assured that if any investigation takes place it will be conducted with utmost confidentiality. No member of staff raising an issue in good faith will be at risk from any form of ‘retribution’ from their employer.
Your participation is required
If something has come to your attention, which you think we should know about or investigate, please let us know. Remember, we can only deal with a concern if we know about it and all matters will be dealt with fairly and properly.
We are here to help you work in a safer environment. If you have any concerns or ideas on how to better improve security at your place of work please contact your Local Security Management Specialist who will be ready to listen.
“Working together to protect patients, staff and NHS property”
Simple Security measures when at work
Basic Security Tips
- ASK strangers to identify themselves and ensure you are happy with their answer
- ALL visitors to wards or departments should identify themselves and state the nature of their business
- LOCK offices, windows and store rooms outside normal working hours or when unattended
- CHECK that there is no-one left in the office or department at the end of the day
- ENSURE that portable items are locked away when not in use. Make sure they cannot be seen from outside the window
- REPORT vandals immediately
- DON’T remove NHS property from the Trust without the appropriate permission – this is theft
- CLOSE all doors which are being wedged open allowing unauthorised access to a part of YOUR workplace (i.e. staff rooms, fire doors)
Any member of staff, who is victimised as a result of disclosing information that they honestly and reasonably suspect breach of security In the NHS, will receive protection from harassment by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.
Somerset Office
1st Floor, Chard Dental Access Centre Chard Business Park
21 Leach Road Chard
Somerset
TA20 1FA
Tel: Tracey Edwards - 01460 260204
E-mail: tracey.edwards@somerset.nhs.uk
Dorset Office
Tel: Will Smith - 01202 851223
E-mail: will.smith@dorset-pct.nhs.uk
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