It’s important that colleagues feel safe whilst they are in work. Below are just a number of initiatives and services that are in place to support you and our patients. You can read more about our security teams and additional training here.
1. Current Security Initiatives
Body worn cameras were launched in July 2022 by the Violence Reduction and Prevention Group and Patient Experience and Engagement team. The cameras are used by front-line clinicians in high-risk areas to deter abusive behaviour against staff and are clearly visible on uniforms, only being activated during incidents involving verbal abuse, violence or aggression.
The pilot has received positive feedback from both staff and patients, with footage being used to protect staff against false accusations and support prosecutions. These initiatives specifically target areas with the highest incidents of violence and aggression, working to create a safer environment and reduce violent behaviour towards healthcare staff.
Image: BWC’s In Docking Station
Cuppa with a Copper is our monthly initiative in collaboration with Merseyside Police enables staff to have informal chats with local Police Officers / Police Community Support Officers or Security Management Team members while enjoying a cup of coffee. The programme has been successful to date, offering staff the opportunity to discuss concerns about general crime and local area issues in a relaxed, on-site setting.
We host regular monthly sessions across our hospital sites that you're welcome to attend for an informal coffee break and chat with your local police officers. Local policing teams visit each site, with representatives who are familiar with area issues and understand the challenges our staff face.
Images: Previous Cuppa with a Copper Sessions at AUH & RLUH
Upcoming sessions:
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Thursday 4 December, 2pm-4pm (AUH Lodge)
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Thursday 15 January, 2pm-4pm (AUH Tower Entrance)
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Thursday 5 February, 2pm-4pm (AUH Lodge)
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Thursday 5 March, 10am-12noon (AUH Lodge)
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Thursday 9 April, 2pm-4pm (AUH Tower Entrance).
2. Frances Centre / STAR Workers
The Frances Centre provides a calming therapeutic environment for patients with dementia and cognitive impairment, offering a welcome change from busy ward settings. The centres create a peaceful space where patients can access cognitive therapies, activities and support away from the acute hospital environment.
Many patients with dementia can find the main ward overwhelming due to high activity levels and frequent noise. The Frances Centre offers a different approach, helping patients feel more relaxed and engaged through specialist support. The centres feature sensory gardens and therapeutic spaces designed specifically for older patients experiencing delirium or challenging behaviour.
STAR workers (Support, Therapies, Activities, Recovery) are at the heart of each centre, bringing diverse backgrounds and experiences to support patients through activities, conversation and compassionate care. They work to reduce distress and help patients reconnect through meaningful engagement rather than isolation.
The centres have been made possible through University Hospitals of Liverpool Charity and generous donations from Professor Sarkar in memory of his wife Frances, with additional support from local fundraising efforts. Currently operating at Aintree and Broadgreen, with the Royal site being opened this September, the Frances Centres are making a real difference to patient care.
3. MELO Digital Behavioural Assessment App
UHL Group has partnered with local health tech company Decently to launch MELO, a digital app that helps teams support patients with complex behaviours, particularly for patients with dementia and cognitive impairments.
MELO replaces paper forms with easy digital assessments, where staff can complete behaviour assessments (ABC and ABS forms) directly at the bedside, with all information automatically creating charts and graphs that everyone on the team can access immediately.
The response from staff has been highly positive with teams reporting that MELO captures both challenging and positive behaviours much more effectively than traditional paper forms.
MELO is now live across multiple sites, including Wards 7A and 8C at Royal Liverpool Hospital, Wards 20 and 34 at Aintree, and our three Frances Centres. Following recent expansion to Wards 11 and 31 at Aintree and Ward 5 at Broadgreen Hospital this October, the system has completed over 7,000 assessments, helping staff work more efficiently, providing better information, and making discharge planning easier.