Security team shine at national level
UHNM’s security team were recognised at a national level recently. The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) reward companies and individuals across the security sector and provide an opportunity for outstanding performers to be celebrated.
The UHNM security team were finalists in four categories: ‘Outstanding Partnership’, ‘Outstanding Security Officer’, ‘Outstanding Security Manager’ and ‘Outstanding Security Young Professional’.
They have now been given the Chief Executive’s award in recognition of their achievements.
Tracy Bullock, Chief Executive, said: “This recognition demonstrates that our team take the safety of patients, staff and visitors extremely seriously. There is some really tough competition within the private sector, so to be finalists in a total of four categories is a real achievement for our staff. This really puts our security service on the map and it is absolutely right that we should also thank them as a Trust.”
Professor Martin Gill, OSPAs founder, said: “The standard of nominations received this year was extremely high and all winners and finalists should feel very proud. Showing the world the valuable work undertaken by the security sector is a central principle of the OSPAs and it is important that we recognise these achievements.”
Security services at UHNM are provided through partnership working with Sodexo at Royal Stoke and in-house at the County Hospital site.
Lorraine Whitehead, Director of Estates, Facilities and PFI, said: “The partnership between Trust, Sodexo and our in-house services staff allows all parties to develop security management at the sites, taking a proactive approach to safety matters, for the benefit of everyone. Together, we have invested in new technology, security management systems and staffing. All of this benefits the many thousands of patients, staff and visitors who pass through our hospitals every day. I am very proud of the team’s hard work and dedication.”
Nominees included...
Outstanding Security Officer – Dan Reeve
Dan has many qualities that he brings to the role but most notably and one that has brought the greatest change within the security service is his specialist knowledge and interest in the field of Health & Safety. Dan holds NEBOSH General, Fire and Construction certificates. His enthusiasm is a constant reminder to the team to follow safe working practice and, using his comprehensive knowledge of the hospital layout, he is able to reach out across all services as he goes about his general duties and when undertaking regular safety walks, ensuring safety is foremost in the minds of his colleagues.
Outstanding Contract Manager - John Wood
John is responsible for the daily operational management of the security service. This involves managing a team of 16 Security Officers and three Security Supervisors. Under John’s direction, the team are able to provide a dedicated presence within the Emergency Centre, undertake 24/7 patrols of the estate, proactively monitor CCTV, operate an access control system and deploy resources effectively from a central control room. This level of security provision had not been experienced by the Trust prior to the transfer to a contracted provider.