Staying safe at work 

Sadly, we have had a number of incidents recently where our staff have been victims of assault when going about the course of their work. This is clearly absolutely unacceptable and something the Trust takes extremely seriously. Any assault or abuse on our staff will be reported to the police and we will continue to do all we can to support the police in successfully identifying and prosecuting those involved.

Your safety, both in and outside of work, is an absolute priority to the Trust. We already have ongoing conversations with our local policing team and will be asking for increased patrols in the areas around Trust premises. We are also reinforcing messaging on social media in relation to our stance on violence and abuse against our staff. Clearly we do not want to alarm colleagues and assaults of this nature are rare, but given the darker nights as we come into winter, it is important that we all take actions to keep ourselves and our colleagues safe.

If you are leaving work when it is dark and particularly after a late shift, please consider these helpful tips to keep yourself safe.

• Think safety in numbers – leave with friends or colleagues and try and use well-lit main entrances. If you have to leave alone text or phone family or friends so they know when to expect you home or can stay on the phone with you.
• Avoid short cuts through unlit car parks, alleyways or isolated areas – if it looks unsafe trust your instincts and go a different way that is more public. Try to walk where there are others around.
• Try to use routes you know well, are lit and busy. Walk on the footpath, not the road and face oncoming traffic so you can see it approaching. Avoid wearing headphones as this could stop you hearing someone approaching. 
• Trust your instincts. If you feel worried about a person, route or situation try to find a safe way out. Change the direction you are walking or cross over the road, shout for help, walk towards a group of people, shop or takeaway, flag down a passing car, ring the police. If you are wrong it doesn’t matter, if you are right it could make all the difference.
• If you are relying on public transport, especially at quieter times such as early morning or later at night get a timetable and carry it with you so that you don’t have to wait for ages after just missing a bus/train. Look around for a visible place to wait – a lit shop front could be safer than an unlit bus shelter. Some businesses have CCTV outside so this could be a safer place to wait until your transport is approaching. 
•  While current COVID-19 restrictions do not recommend car sharing, if you have a genuine concern for the safety of one of your colleagues, car sharing is permitted in such exceptional circumstances. Please note that face masks must be worn in this instance and you should open car windows to encourage ventilation.
• If you are worried about anyone near or on our premises when you are leaving to go home - please make our security staff aware. They have offices at South Tyneside District Hospital (by Ingham Wing reception ext. number: 3070) and Sunderland Royal Hospital (on the main concourse ext. number 777). If at any point you feel in immediate danger you should contact the police on 999.