John Reid: New safeguards

NHS staff are to be offered new protections when working alone, the health secretary said.

John Reid said on Wednesday that doctors, nurses, carers and other employees would be given a new alarm device to alert the police when they are threatened.

With over 100,000 incidents of physical and verbal abuse reported against workers in the NHS every year, and a similar number of staff working alone every day, the government is investing in new technology to provide additional safeguards following trials.

The device known as Identicom can be hidden discreetly and will link directly with a call centre and police, as well as recording sound for use in any potential criminal investigation.

Reid said: "I am determined to do everything within my power to stop NHS staff suffering from violence and abuse.

"They dedicate their lives to caring for the sick and in return they deserve respect.

"Anybody who attacks our staff will face tough action and the possibility of jail.

"Up to 100,000 staff work alone in the NHS everyday and thanks to this device they will have the knowledge that help is only a button away."

"As recordings of incidents can be used as evidence in court hearings, it also offers the police and the NHS Security Management Service valuable information in punishing these criminals," he added.