Security guards play a vital role in many sectors, from protecting high-profile individuals to ensuring safety in retail spaces. But what about hospitals?

These critical facilities serve thousands of people daily, handle sensitive situations and protect vulnerable individuals. This makes keeping their environment secure vital.

In this article, we’ll explore whether hospitals employ security guards, the types of security measures they opt for, and why strong security is essential in healthcare settings.

Do Hospitals Have Security?

As hospitals are often high-risk and unpredictable places, it’s essential that they have security in place. Common security in a hospital includes:

• Security guards.
• Access control
• Security cameras.
• Wearable panic buttons.

Hospitals do have security guards, but they’re 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.

Guards will be hired to work in a variety of different hospitals like emergency hospitals, NHS sites, children’s hospitals, or psychiatric hospitals.

Why Do They Need Protection?

Hospitals need security guards to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. They play a vital role in providing protection through daily tasks, such as monitoring entrances, managing crowds, and responding to incidents.

Hospital security guards also help maintain order by controlling access to the hospital. They ensure that only authorised individuals are present. In doing so, the guards contribute to a secure environment. They preventing potential threats and promote a sense of safety for everyone within the hospital.

What Are The Security Risks Hospitals?

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 disturbances
• Criminal damage

What Is A Security Officer Responsible For?

A security officer in a hospital is responsible for keeping the building, staff, and patients safe. Their duties can include:

• Protecting staff members, patients, and visitors.
• Ensuring hospital and NHS sites are safe and secure.
• Monitoring people entering and leaving the hospital.
• Verifying that visitors have valid reasons to be in the hospital.
• Watching CCTV footage for any suspicious activity.
• Conducting routine patrols inside and outside the hospital grounds.
• Responding to incidents that could harm staff or patients.
• Diffusing potentially difficult or aggressive situations.
• Calling the police or emergency services when necessary.
• Following all hospital procedures to maintain safety and order.

Overall, their main goal is to make sure the hospital remains a safe and secure place for everyone.

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

Yes, security guards working in hospitals need an SIA licence to carry out their duties legally. This could be either a Security Guard Licence or a Door Supervisor Licence, depending on the specific role and responsibilities.

The licence ensures the guard is properly trained and qualified to handle security tasks, such as monitoring access and managing incidents within the hospital.

What Do You Need To Become A Hospital Security Officer?

Becoming a hospital security guard doesn’t necessarily require prior security experience. Although, having it can certainly be an advantage.

If you’re aiming for a higher role, such as a security team leader or manager, previous security experience or work within an armed uniform service is typically required.

In addition to security-related skills, hospital security guards should have good literacy and numeracy skills. Employers may ask for qualifications such as GCSEs in English and Maths. While a driving licence isn’t a must, some hospitals may prefer or require it, depending on the specific duties of the role.

What Skills Do You Need?

Working in a hospital security role can be unpredictable and demanding. That’s why it requires a unique set of skills. A hospital security guard needs to be ready for anything, from managing potentially aggressive behaviour to responding to emergencies. Here are some of the most important skills for this role:

• 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 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?

The salary of a hospital security guard can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the specific duties of the role. According to Glassdoor, a hospital security guard typically earns between £20,000 to £26,000 a year. However, this range can be influenced by various factors:

Shift Work: Some hospitals may offer higher pay for night shifts, weekends, or holidays, as these can involve additional challenges and require the guard to work outside of regular hours.

Experience: Entry-level positions might start at the lower end of the scale, while those with more experience or in supervisory roles can earn closer to or above the £26,000 mark.

Location: Salaries can vary depending on the region or city. Security guards working in larger cities or high-demand areas might see higher salaries to reflect the cost of living and the intensity of the job.

Are The Security Officers Armed?

Whether a hospital security guard is armed depends on the specific role and environment they’re working in.

In the UK however, hospital security officers are generally not armed. It’s illegal for guards to carry firearms or other weapons in most public settings, including hospitals. The use of weapons is tightly regulated and restricted to law enforcement officers who are trained to handle dangerous situations.

Can Hospital Security Detain You?

In the UK, hospital security officers can detain individuals, but only in specific situations. If they believe a crime has occurred or is occurring, they have the legal right to make a citizen’s arrest. This means they can hold someone briefly until the police arrive.

However, security officers must treat the individual respectfully and explain why they’re being detained. If a guard acts unlawfully, they may face legal consequences.

Can Hospital Security Touch You?

Security guards can only touch you under specific circumstances. They’re allowed to conduct a physical search if you give them consent, but any other form of physical contact is restricted.

The only time security officers can touch someone without consent is when performing a citizen’s arrest. Even in these situations, the level of force must be reasonable and proportional to the situation. Security officers must always act within the law and follow proper procedures when handling any physical interactions.

Can Security Remove You From Hospital?

Hospital security officers can remove individuals from the premises if they are causing harm, such as committing a crime or starting a fight.

However, security will only take such action when absolutely necessary. Their primary goal is to ensure safety, and they’ll follow established protocols to handle situations calmly and appropriately. If needed, they may call the police to assist with the removal process.

Is Hospital Security Dangerous?

This role can sometimes be dangerous, particularly in high-risk areas like emergency departments or psychiatric units. Security officers may face aggressive or violent behavior from patients or visitors, which can escalate into physical confrontations.

However, most hospital security officers are trained to handle these situations calmly and use non-violent de-escalation techniques. While the job carries some risk, security guards are equipped to manage it safely and work alongside law enforcement when necessary. The main focus is always on maintaining a safer environment for both staff and patients.

So, Do Hospitals Have Security Guards?

Hospitals face a range of security challenges, from managing the safety of patients and staff to unlawful access. As a result, security guards play a crucial role in maintaining a secure environment.

Their presence ensures that hospitals remain safe and protected. Having them in place often brings peace of mind to everyone within the premises. With the growing need for security in healthcare, having trained professionals on-site is essential for maintaining order and safety.

For more insights on security, explore our blog. We have content on whether guards should be in schools and what a citizen’s arrest is.