Staff support regarding current civil unrest

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust does not tolerate violence or aggression and colleagues are reminded that support is available.

You will have seen the deeply distressing scenes of racism, violence and unrest which have sadly unfolded over the last few days across the country.

The Trust does not tolerate racism, violence, aggression or acts of discrimination. Colleagues are reminded that support is available to those who are affected or just need someone to speak to.

We are committed to ensuring the safety of our staff and patients and will take firm action when and where necessary with regards to the emerging situation.

Support available

Personal safety

• Uniform wearing: Colleagues are reminded not to wear Trust uniform or lanyards when travelling to and from work or between our hospital sites.

• Travel arrangements: If colleagues would prefer to travel with a work buddy, please arrange this via your team or manager.

• Carpool service: Please see the forums on the ChelwestMe app to speak directly to colleagues who may feel safer carpooling to work.

• Travel support: Speak to your line manager if you feel unsafe about travelling. Alternative travel arrangements may be organised.

• Additional car parking: Free car parking will be available at both hospital sites, from 6pm–8:30am. Staff will need to show Trust ID at Chelsea and barriers will be open at West Mid.

• Shuttle bus: The shuttle bus times have been extended, with shuttles available at both West Mid and Chelsea at 8:15pm.

• Extended canteen hours: We have extended the canteen provision for all staff to access hot food/meal during this period.

• Flexible working arrangements: If staff do not feel safe to come to work, contact your line manager to discuss alternative arrangements—eg work from home, special leave arrangements. Please refer to the Trust flexible working policy.

• Lone working/community and satellite sites: For staff working in these areas, please ensure you follow your local arrangements and ensure your risk assessments are up to date. If you have any concerns, please speak to your line manager.

• Social media: Staff are reminded of the Trust social media policy and we would advise against posts that could potentially lead to confrontation or attacks.

• Trust values: All colleagues are reminded to adhere to the Trust PROUD values and code of conduct.

Security

• There will be additional security on both sites.

• Access to ward and clinical areas: Staff are reminded to check the identity of visitors and staff. Please be vigilant of tailgating.

• Security will be visible on both sites to ensure that access into and out of the hospital is monitored. This will include ID/badge checks.

• Raising security concerns: Please refer to the Trust Security Policy.

• Raising concerns and reporting incidents: All incidences must be reported in accordance with the Violence and Aggression policy.

• Acceptable Behaviour Standard: Colleagues should refer to the Acceptable Behaviour Standard policy regarding inappropriate behaviour from members of the public or patients. The policy also references other factors which may cause misbehaviour, such as dementia or delirium which colleagues should be mindful of when referring to the policy. If there is any uncertainty on how to approach the situation, please discuss with your line manager or divisional leadership team in the first instance.

Support

• Health and Wellbeing services
• Trust pastoral service
• NHS England support page
• Keepingwell NWL
• ENRICH Network meeting—Thursday 8 August, 2pm

Further information

• We recognise that this is an emerging situation, and the Trust is working closely with local authority and police to monitor developments and any incidents will be handled using our established EPRR arrangements.