Photo: Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury
Our 10 Year Partnership with Te Whatu Ora Canterbury: Our Role In Safeguarding the Healthcare Sector
We are excited to share the news of our continued partnership with Te Whatu Ora Canterbury. Marking a significant milestone of over a decade of hospital security, since our journey together began back in December 2013.
As part of our commitment to supporting the safety and security of healthcare environments. Allied Security is proud to align with the New Zealand National Party's initiative aimed at increasing security staff in emergency departments. This represents a collective effort to reinforce the safety and well being of all individuals within healthcare settings.
As a result of this initiative, we take great pride in the positive feedback we've received from both hospital staff and patients, who now feel a heightened sense of security within the hospital environment.
Our team recently had the privilege of meeting Minister of Health - Hon Dr Shane Reti from the Ministry of Health New Zealand.
Senior management at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury expressed their gratitude of the exceptional professionalism displayed by our DHB security officers. Their ability to engage with the public in a positive manner was noted on an impressive level.
Our Role in Safeguarding Hospital Environments
Our mission is to ensure that these environments remain safe and secure. To provide peace of mind to all staff and patients. The healthcare sector plays a critical role in our communities, providing essential services and care to those in need.
We continue to provide security for some of Canterbury's busiest hospitals including: Te Whatu Ora - Waitaha Emergency Department, Burwood, Hillmorton, Ashburton, Greymouth and Buller Hospitals. Understanding that each hospital presents its own distinct needs, we carefully allocate staff and tailor their training to address the specific requirements of each premise.
However, the challenging nature of emergency departments can often introduce safety concerns for both staff and patients. By increasing the presence of security personnel in these high pressure environments, we aim to create a safer and more secure atmosphere for everyone involved.
Overcoming Security Challenges in the Healthcare Sector
Navigating the hospital security landscape presents its own set of challenges. Our priority lies in ensuring that our team members are equipped with the comprehensive training and resources necessary to effectively address a wide range of scenarios. While also upholding professionalism and strict adherence to policy.
From addressing sensitive situations like requesting a gang member to remove their patch to overseeing patient watches for individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others. Our team is prepared to respond with tact and care. Additionally, our staff promptly respond to duress alarms, often receiving commendation for their effective de-escalation of potentially violent situations.
Our DHB Contract Manager
Shaun Owers has been our DHB Contract Manager for over two years. Managing teams that consistently receive commendation for their handling of serious incidents. Including those involving violence and aggression, has been a central aspect of the position.
Witnessing the courage of staff in confronting and apprehending individuals wielding firearms and the countless instances where lives have been saved reinforces the critical nature of our work.
''Although there are many themes that regularly repeat through the work we do at the Hospitals here in Waitaha Canterbury, no two days are the same. The Allied Security staff work tirelessly to ensure that the Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Hospitals are a safe and friendly place to stay, work or visit.''
