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KEY WORDS Conflict Training, Security
The following article is based on a presentation at AfPP's Annual Congress in October 2005. It deals with the increasing level of violence and aggression directed towards NHS staff in the workplace and advises on conflict resolution.
Introduction
'Whitehall, we have a problem!' Not a direct quote from the Apollo 13 astronauts but a phrase that was no doubt heard in the corridors of power at around the turn of the new millennium, when it was realised that there was an increasing problem of violence and aggression being used against NHS staff members.
While it was true to say that many Trusts around the country were making tremendous progress in an effort to protect staff, there was no national consolidated approach to the problem. A growing number of incidents were being reported, staff absence through injury or related illnesses was leading to increased workload and pressure on those colleagues left behind and, at an estimated cost to the NHS of around £69 million per year (National Audit Office 2003) it was clearly identified that more had to be done. The then secretary of State for Health, John Reid, through legal procedures, established the security Management Service (SMS) as part of the Counter Fraud and security Management Service (CFSMS) with the overall aim, 'To protect the NHS so that it can better protect the public's health.'
The CFSMS introduced a range of measures. For example, each Trust has to nominate an executive director with responsibility for safety and security at board level. Also each Trust must have in place a local security management specialist (LSMS), someone to whom staff can ask for help and support and who also takes a proactive approach to improving security whether by recommending changes to the physical environment or improving procedures and systems.
An improved system for reporting incidents has been implemented nationally by CFSMS and will ensure that trends and problem areas are identified and swift appropriate action taken. Help us to help you. If you are subjected to violence and aggression in the workplace please report any incidents. Do you know how to report incidents in your Trust?
Primary responsibility for the prosecution of offenders lies with the police and the Crown Prosecution...