OPINION: Delighted to see hospital group launch in-house security service
We are delighted to announce that, on June 1, we officially welcomed our new security colleagues into the HIF family.
The launch of our new in-house Security Service marks an important milestone for HIF and Harrogate District Hospital, bringing security provision directly into the organisation and establishing a dedicated team focused on supporting staff, patients and visitors.
The mobilisation period commenced on June 1, 2026, with all security officers completing a structured induction programme before operational deployment. Officers also successfully completed Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training, ensuring a consistent approach to conflict management, de-escalation and physical intervention where required.
Their core functions include:
24/7 security presence: Providing continuous security cover across Harrogate District Hospital, supporting the safety of patients, visitors and staff at all times
Patrols and site security: Conducting structured patrols across wards, departments, office accommodation, public areas and lone-working locations to provide visibility, reassurance and proactive risk management
Incident response: Responding to security-related incidents including violence and aggression, suspicious persons, absconding patients, anti-social behaviour and other situations requiring immediate intervention
Violence and aggression management: Supporting colleagues through the application of PMVA principles, de-escalation techniques and appropriate interventions to maintain a safe environment
Access control and front-of-house support: Assisting with access management, visitor guidance and security arrangements across HDFT while maintaining a professional and approachable presence
Emergency preparedness and business continuity: Supporting trust emergency planning arrangements, major incident responses and exercises, including participation in Code Purple and other resilience activities
Staff engagement and safety advice: Working closely with clinical and non-clinical teams to promote security awareness, encourage incident reporting and support a positive safety culture throughout the organisation
Partnership working: Collaborating with clinical teams, operational services, emergency responders and external agencies to ensure coordinated and effective responses to incidents and emerging risks.
While still in its early stages, the new Security Service has already established a strong foundation. Through visible patrols, effective incident response, proactive engagement and a commitment to supporting colleagues, the team is helping to create a safer environment and making a positive contribution to patient care and staff experience across the Harrogate District Hospital site.
If you would like more information about HIF or the work that we do, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].