Security officers hired to observe patients at GUH are used to ensure that patients do not present a threat to themselves or others, this week’s HSE Regional Forum was told at Merlin Park.
The matter was raised by Clifden councillor Eileen Mannion who asked if the security staff were minding or attending patients in a one to one situation in the absence of medical personnel acting in place of absent or non-available Health Care Assistants?
She also asked if these Security Staff have medical training?
In response, Anne Cosgrove, Integrated Health Area Manager said that in GUH, a clinical assessment of the patient is carried out and depending on the outcome of the assessment, it is decided if the patient requires assignment of a Health Care Assistant or/and a Security Officer to provide close patient supervision.
“The role of the security officer in such duty is to observe a patient and to prevent any harm to themselves or others.
“The Security Officer does not provide any clinical care to the patients.
“Overall responsibility for the patient remains with the ward / department clinical staff and at all times such staff are supervising and providing assistance to security officers,” she added.
