Security guards can be hired in a variety of different sectors, from being a bodyguard for the rich to working in retail stores. It seems like nearly every job sector has hired security guards. But do hospitals have security guards?

We’ll be discussing this and more such as what security a hospital has and whether that includes security officers and why hospitals need security.

Do Hospitals Have Security?

As hospitals are often high-risk and unpredictable places, it is essential that they have security in place. The most common security in a hospital is:

• Security Guards.
• Security Cameras.
• Wearable Panic Buttons.
• Security Systems.

Do Hospitals Have Security Guards?

Hospitals do have security guards, but they are often referred to as security staff members or hospital security officers. There are also higher-up roles such as being a security team leader or a security manager. Security guards will be hired to work in a variety of different hospitals like emergency hospitals, NHS sites, children’s hospitals, or psychiatric hospitals.

What Are The Security Risks In The Hospital?

As hospitals are always busy, they often become victims of security risks. Some of the most common security hazards that happen within a hospital are:

• Fires.
• Slips And Falls.
• Workplace Violence.
• Manual Handling Of Loads.
• Theft Of Equipment.
• Chemical Substances.
• Criminal Damage.

What Is A Security Officer Responsible For In A Hospital?

The main role of a hospital security officer is to provide the hospital with a strong physical security presence. When guards supply hospitals with a strong security presence it can instantly show criminals that the building is well protected, and this can cause them to be scared away. Furthermore, a guard’s strong visible presence can also create a safer working environment at the hospital for all staff workers and patients there.

What Does A Hospital Security Guard Do?

As we mentioned above, the main responsibility of security guards in hospitals is to provide the hospital with a strong visible security presence, but there are also many different tasks and responsibilities that a hospital security officer will have. Some of the most common hospital security guard duties are:

• Protecting staff members, patients, and visitors.
• Making sure that hospital and NHS sites are safe.
• Monitoring people who come in and out of the hospital.
• Being able to deal with any incidents that might hurt staff members or patients.
• Watching CCTV footage for suspicious activity.
• Making sure that visitors have valid reasons to be in the hospital.
• To do routine patrols outside the hospital grounds.
• To call in the police or other emergency services.
• To diffuse potentially difficult situations.
• To follow all hospital procedures.

Do You Need A SIA Licence To Work At A Hospital?

A common question asked about hospital security guards is whether they need a security licence. And yes, all guards who work in hospitals will need a licence approved by the SIA. This licence could be an SIA security guard licence or a door supervisor licence.

What Do You Need To Become A Hospital Security Guard?

To become a security guard that works in a hospital, it is not a necessary requirement to have any other security experience, but it is a good thing to have. However, if you are applying for a higher position such as a hospital security team leader or manager, previous security experience or work experience within an armed uniform service is required.

It will be expected that you have good literary or numeracy skills so employers may ask for GCSEs or other qualifications for English and Maths. It is not necessary to have a driving license, but some hospital employers may ask if you do have one.

What Skills Do You Need To Become A Hospital Security Guard?

Hospitals can be very unpredictable places to work, so there are a variety of different skills that are needed to become a hospital security guard. We’ve listed some of the most important skills that hospital security officers will need.

• Having good communication skills.
• Having good team-working skills.
• Being able to stay calm.
• Being able to diffuse difficult situations.
• Being prepared to deal with unpredictable situations.
• Being fit and healthy.
• Being able to deal with challenging behaviour or difficult situations.
• Being able to understand a situation quickly.
• Having good customer service skills.

What Training Is Given To Become A Hospital Security Guard?

When becoming a hospital security guard, hospitals or the NHS will provide further training for the job role. This training includes an introduction to the hospital site, what systems are used in the hospital, and the hospital’s own procedures.

Security guards will also be expected to take part in short courses, provided by the hospital, on topics like conflict resolution. These courses are designed to prepare security guards for any potential situations that could happen whilst they are working.

What Are The Hours Like For A Hospital Security Guard?

Hospital security guards, like many hospital workers, will be expected to work long shifts, which could include working all weekend or throughout the night. According to the NHS website, the expected hours for a hospital security officer are normally about 37 and a half each week.

How Much Does A Hospital Security Guard Get Paid?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a hospital security guard is estimated at £22,549 per year. This can vary though as guards who work in larger city areas, like London, will be paid more than guards working in smaller rural areas. This is to compensate for higher living costs in larger cities.

Are Hospital Security Armed?

Whether a hospital security guard is armed or not will depend on the area that the guard is working in. In the UK, security guards who work in hospitals won’t be armed as it is illegal to carry weapons.

Do Hospital Security Carry Guns?

In the UK, it is not possible for hospital security to carry guns, due to the UK’s strict laws on firearms. While in America it is possible for some security officers to carry handguns, however, this will often depend on the laws of the state that the guard is working in.

Can Hospital Security Detain You?

A common question asked about security guards in hospitals is whether they are allowed to detain you or not. And security guards can’t properly arrest or detain someone, instead, they are only allowed to detain someone in the form of a citizen’s arrest.

Can Hospital Security Touch You?

Hospital security guards can only really be allowed to touch someone within reason and if you have given them your consent, such as them performing a physical search. The only time that guards are allowed to touch you without, is if they are performing a citizen’s arrest.

Can Security Remove You From Hospital?

Security guards can remove people from a hospital is they believe someone is causing harm. For example, if someone is committing a crime or if someone starts a fight within the hospital. Hospital security officers will only remove people from a hospital when it is completely necessary.

Is Hospital Security A Good Job?

Hospital security is a good career if you are the right person, and you are looking to work in a more active part of the security industry. Hospitals are often quite busy, so security officers will be expected to take a more active role to ensure the safety of the hospital, such as doing regular routine patrols throughout all areas of the hospital.

Is Hospital Security Dangerous?

A common question asked about hospital security jobs is whether working in a hospital as a guard is dangerous. And well, hospital security is really just as dangerous as any other job within the security industry. Hospitals of course will fall victim to crimes such as workplace violence, theft, and damage to hospital equipment, but guards who work in hospitals will receive proper training so that they are able to handle any security issue or situation that happens.

Why Do Hospitals Need Security?

The main reason why hospitals would need security guards is that they offer a sense of protection to the patients there and to anyone who is either visiting or working at the hospital. Security guards can do this through their daily tasks. They are also able to do this because the main duty of a security guard is to protect people.

Security guards also help to keep hospital sites safe from any trouble which is extremely important. Another reason why hospitals need security guards is that they help to monitor the number of visitors within the hospital, making sure that people have a valid reason for being there.

So, Do Hospitals Have Security Guards?

Overall, hospitals will often be full of security risks so it is essential that they have security in place such as guards to help protect them. If you are interested in learning more about security guards why not check out our blog? Where you can find articles about museum security and where security guards work.

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