Southampton patients risk hospital ban for violence towards staff
Trust strengthens measures to tackle abuse
Patients at Southampton General Hospital could face a ban under new measures aimed at tackling increasing instances of violence and abuse against staff.
University Hospital Southampton (UHS) has introduced a new approach to handle such incidents better.
Senior trust leaders have shown support for a stronger stance on backing key workers.
Chief executive David French emphasised a zero-tolerance policy against violence, stating, "We have now got a line where we are very clear to say we are not putting up with this and staff are aware of that."
The updated approach, endorsed by the trust’s board during a meeting on Thursday 9th July, replaces a previous yellow and red card system, described by chief people officer Steve Harris as having a "mixed effect."
The new policy includes a four-stage process, escalating from informal interventions to legal exclusion from the hospital in severe cases.
This ban would prevent an individual from accessing the site except for emergency care with threat to life and limb.
Steve Harris recalled discussions from the board in September, noting significant unrest and tensions in the community, particularly affecting staff from international and non-white backgrounds.
Mr Harris commented, "We need to do better in this area," following a challenge by David French.
Nationally, violence against NHS staff is rising, with data from the latest NHS staff survey indicating that almost one in seven had been physically attacked by patients or the public last year.
French wishes for the trust to take a firmer position, even if UHS becomes an outlier.
A dedicated violence, abuse, and aggression (VAA) board co-chaired by Mr Harris and chief operating officer Andy Hyett has been established to review cases and enact the policy, presently meeting bi-weekly.
Michelle Oakford, clinical lead on the VAA board, said: "It’s so important staff have felt listened to and we’re starting to do something about it."
The panel, described as "really powerful" by Mr Hyett, aims to reach balanced decisions in individual cases.
Natasha Watts, acting chief nursing officer, added, "This really matters to our staff."
The trust is collaborating with a new security provider to support the organisation’s approach.