SJUK’s Digital Content Editor, Eve Goode spoke with Owen Neil, a Security Guard at an NHS branch about the importance of having effective access control within healthcare facilities.
An NHS survey that was taken during 2024 revealed that one in seven or 14.38% of staff experienced physical violence from patients, their relatives or other members of the public.
To protect staff and patients, effective access control systems need to be put in place. Neil stated that access control systems “reduce risks by only allowing authorised patients into certain areas at certain times, meaning that vulnerable or confused patients that are possibly lost in areas that are not safe.”
Inside NHS hospitals across the UK, there are many forms of security systems in place including CCTV, security cameras, electronic access control systems, biometric systems, card readers, pin codes and NHS Smart Cards.
When accessing wards and offices, the individual seeking to gain access must have a either a card or a pin code to enter ensuring the physical safety of staff and patients.
When trying to access digital information about patients, staff members must use their personal NHS Smart Card meaning that patients aren’t only protected physically, but their private and confidential data/information also cannot be accessed by an unauthorised individual.
When referencing access cards, Neil commented “we are able to monitor and review access if and when it is needed, meaning we can grant and remove access to certain areas to protect patients and property anyway that we can.”
Neil said that in the case of a hospital lockdown for major incidents, access control systems will play a crucial role as they can be automated.
According to Neil, there are several systems in place to protect the hospital and its occupants.
He stated: “the integration of access control software with CCTV sees them work together as a unit along with the correct policies and procedures. The systems are put in place alongside a human element which cannot be replaced as the system is only as good as the person working it.”
In hospitals across the world, security systems are an essential part of protecting patients’ privacy and managing their personal confidential data effectively.
There are some concerns when it comes to ensuring privacy when using specific security systems in hospitals, such as CCTV.
Hospitals have a duty to ensure that their security systems comply with regulations and protect patient confidentiality.
NHS hospitals across the UK have strict infrastructures to ensure that their patient and staff safety is one of their top priorities.
According to Neil, detailed risk assessments and data protection impact assessments must be put in place before any CCTV can be installed.
He later said “the main safety concern is not the actual CCTV cameras but who has access to the footage once it’s been recorded. This is where there needs to be restrictions, especially in patient facing areas.”
There are several types of cameras that are used in hospitals that ensure patient privacy and lower the risk of any sensitive data ending up in the wrong hands.
All cameras that are used in hospitals including both CCTV and body-worn cameras must comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Hospitals have several security systems that ensure the safety of patients and staff, Neil highlighted “ARFID cameras are probably what are most useful, as they only record any data once an alarm has been pressed, so this helps to reduce individuals concerns from that perspective.”
With the growing rates of aggression and violence towards NHS staff members on the rise, the use of body-worn cameras has been increased.
“Violence and aggression towards NHS staff has risen dramatically in the last few years, reflecting society as a whole as we have also seen spikes in violence towards retail staff too,” explained Neil.
According to the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5) the UK’s current terror threat is ranked as ‘SUBSTANTIAL’ meaning that a terror attack is likely.
When speaking with Neil, he mentioned “the possibility of a terror attack is probably higher now than when I first started.”
On 2 October 2025, there was a terrorist attack at a Synagogue in Higher Crumpsall, Manchester, which saw a number of hospitals in the surrounding areas locked down as a precaution with members of the public being told to ‘avoid the emergency department unless their condition is urgent or life-threatening’, allowing the medical staff to prioritise care for the most in need.
Neil went on to explain how lockdown procedures will continue to evolve as the risks continue to change. With hospitals being locked down after a recent terror attack, security need to ensure their security teams are equipped with the right knowledge and tools to help in these circumstances.
The security teams are part of the NHS service and it works alongside the clinical staff whilst being fully integrated with all NHS values.
Neil said: “All security interventions are clinically led.”
All aspects of security are integrated in NHS hospitals to ensure the best possible outcomes for its patients and staff.
“We’re part of the wider team, so its not just us (the security team) intervening with a patient, it is also under the guidance of the doctors and nurses,” Neil said.
All sectors of the security industry are noticing the increased incorporation of AI into their systems and healthcare security is no different.
There has been an increase in the use of baggage alert cameras across UK hospitals, allowing security teams to ensure the safety of its residents from harmful weapons or illegal drugs.
Neil stated: “For me, I think I can see security technologies being integrated with the clinical side patient flow technologies, meaning there will be larger security hub within hospitals, integrating all of the systems together.”
