Lone Worker Solutions for the NHS
More and more NHS trusts are turning to Skyguard to protect their lone workers. Find out why.
A recent survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has found that more than 60 percent of nurses working in the community have been subjected to verbal or physical abuse in the past two years.
The survey’s findings, based upon a questionnaire answered by nearly 800 nurses nationwide revealed that 61 percent spent more than half their time working alone without immediate access to help if needed.
Most worrying of all, more than one in ten nurses had been subjected to physical assault in the same timescale.
The RCN believes a lack of funding is not an excuse for ignoring the risks faced by lone-working nurses, and argues that a well-implemented policy, proper assessment of risks and an effective prevention strategy, including the use of specialist lone-worker alarm systems, are worthwhile investments.
That’s why every month, more and more NHS Trusts are using Skyguard’s comprehensive yet cost-effective personal safety service to protect their lone workers and staff placed in potential vulnerable situations.
"Our District Nurses feel safe and secure in the knowledge that there is always somebody at the
end of the MySOS device when they might need them the most."
Jill Nixon, Community Nursing
NHS Stockport Primary Care Trust
Superior Service... Superior Product... Superior Value
Although many trusts have a form of lone-worker alarm systems in place (in most cases, the Identicom* i750, purchased under the NHS Framework agreement in 2009), many are embracing Skyguard’s technically-superior product and service whilst attaining a more competitive price.
Here’s why:
- The MySOS – the UK’s smallest personal safety alarm features GPS technology providing accurate positioning down to 10 metres. Vital for guiding the emergency services to the user’s exact location. The Identicom i750 device has no such feature.
- Our devices feature two-way audio allowing the user to fully communicate with our Controllers when in need of assistance. The Identicom i750 is limited to one-way audio, meaning users cannot hear the controller or has no audible confirmation that assistance has been sent.
- Our devices can be pooled / shared between an unlimited number of users at no extra cost, and assigned in real time 24/7 at the click of a button via our secure online web portal. With the Identicom i750, you are charged £29.65 per additional user.
- The MySOS can be carried in a variety of ways. Around the neck, attached to an ID badge holder, on a set of keys or clipped to a belt. And because it’s the UK’s smallest personal safety device, it’s a lot more discreet.
- User’s GPS location can be tracked at regular intervals or in real-time by sending an SMS text message to obtain its location. This is not possible when using the Identicom i750.
- The MySOS can be programmed to call 2 additional speed dial numbers of your choice – again, not available on the Identicom i750 lone worker device.
- All this comes at the most-competitive prices available in the marketplace today. Significant savings can be made when you switch to Skyguard.
| Feature comparison | Skyguard MySOS | Identicom i750 |
| GPS location technology | Yes | No |
| Amber alert | Yes | Yes |
| SOS Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | 2-way audio | 1-way audio |
| Weight | 59 grams | 78 grams |
| Automatic tracking | Yes - any frequency | No |
| Speed dial number | Yes - x2 | No |
| Can be shared/pooled | Yes – Free of Charge | Yes - £29.65 per person |
| Price | Skyguard can guarantee a better price! |
* Identicom is a trademark of Connexion2 Ltd. Pricing and product details correct at 19/01/2012.
Still in Contract? Why Not Talk to Us?
Even if you have a current lone working solution and are in contract, it’s easier (and cheaper) to switch to Skyguard than you think. Give us a call on 0845 0360 999 or use our contact page to find out how we can help. We’ll take care of everything.
“The MySOS – the UK’s smallest personal safety device can be conveniently carried on an ID badge holder, as well as attached to a belt, on a set of keys or around the neck.”
Skyguard – Trusted by the UK’s Police
As the UK’s only wholly-owned end-to-end service provider, Skyguard have been protecting lone workers and vulnerable individuals for over ten years. We’re fully certified to BS 8484 – The code of practice for the provision of lone worker device (LWD) services.
In fact, our service is so good, over half the UK’s Police forces trust and use our service to protect the most vulnerable in society.
If you wish to improve the safety of your lone working staff, whilst cutting existing costs, why not talk to us... we can even offer a live demonstration of our devices at a time and place convenient to yourself. Or find out more about our personal safety devices.