Jail warning over violence to Bath Royal United Hospital staff

The Royal United Hospital has issued a new warning that violence towards staff and other patients will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The warning comes after a woman who was abusive and violent towards staff on a number of occasions was jailed.

The 20-year-old woman from Peasedown St John was given a three-month prison sentence for using threatening words and behaviour.

The RUH says anyone using physical or verbal violence will be escorted from the premises by hospital security staff, or will be arrested and face prosecution.

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RUH security manager Nicholas Reed said: "Violence towards staff, both physical and verbal, will not be tolerated.

"Staff have the right to be safe at work.

"We have a range of sanctions available to us and if we need to pursue these – including prosecution through the courts to protect our staff – we will do it.

"Violent and aggressive behaviour causes severe distress to the staff.

"We actively encourage staff to report such incidents so that we can take the action needed to ensure we continue to provide a safe environment."

Additional security measures exist in some areas, for example, departments use access control systems at night which rely on close circuit televisions fitted to doors, and a panic button system, which enables staff to alert the hospital security team if they encounter problems.

Emergency department staff also have personal attack alarms, which activate sensors in the department ceiling, enabling security staff to locate them quickly.